FIFA CWC: Mbappe returns against Juve as Klinsmann warn Alonso about Vini and the French captain playing together

France captain Kylian Mbappe’s return from his illness is Real Madrid’s single biggest boost ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup knockout phase, as Los Blancos will require his expertise to steer them through right from the Round of 16 game against Juventus.

The Frenchman, after all, was the team’s biggest difference-maker in the final third last season and even went on to win the Pichichi award, a testament to his tremendous adaptation to life in Spain.

An untimely health setback, however, saw him miss the team’s group stage games in the FIFA Club World Cup. The player returned to training more frail than ever before, making it clear that the gastroenteritis had taken a serious toll on him.

While Mbappe was training with the team even ahead of Real Madrid’s game against RB Salzburg, the manager decided that he was better off rested and given time to recuperate and recover. Now, however, Mbappe is close to 100% fitness.

As relayed by Carrusel Deportivo in a recent update, however, Mbappe is not expected to start against Juventus despite returning to the squad and being close to his complete fitness. Xabi Alonso, after all, wishes to exert caution.

Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo Garcia, as it stands, are ahead of Mbappe to start against the Serie A side and will likely play from the first minute in attack.

The Frenchman, meanwhile, is expected to make an entry as a substitute, likely in the second half.

Vinicius starred in the team’s recent win over Salzburg, while Garcia has been a standout in all three games with two goals and an assist to his name. Needless to say, there is no pressing need to rush Mbappe back from his injury.

Should everything go to plan, the star striker could be fit enough to start a potential quarterfinal later in the event.

Meanwhile, former Germany and USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann claimed fitting Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will be a major test for Alonso.

“They are two personalities Xabi has to manage, and I’m sure the team will manage to compensate for everything to get the best out of them. At PSG, it didn’t work out in those two years with Neymar, Mbappe and Messi.

“It will be hard for Xabi to get both of them to defend more.”

Ahead of Mbappe’s recall, Alonso admitted he needs the France international to change his game in the coming weeks, with a few concerns.

“He’s a leader because of his impact and influence. We all need to be committed to the collective ideas and enjoy what we get to do. The demands are the same for everyone,” as per Marca.

“We need to be committed on and off the ball. It’s going to be hard to teach Mbappe how to dribble, but it’s hard to teach him how to link up.