Mbappe a doubt for Real's Club World Cup opener

Real Madrid may be without forward Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, after the French international missed training due to illness.

New head coach Xabi Alonso is set to make his debut on the Real Madrid bench for the Group H clash at Hard Rock Stadium but could be missing several first-team regulars.

Defender Antonio Rudiger and the versatile Eduardo Camavinga are also expected to miss the match against the Saudi outfit.

"Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not enough. It's extremely hot, and it was best that he didn't train. We'll wait until the last moment. We'll decide tomorrow morning," said Alonso.

"Rudiger has made an enormous effort this season, and I'm not sure if he'll be called up tomorrow, but he's making good progress and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but he still needs time," he added.

Al Hilal will also be led by a new manager, with Italian coach Simone Inzaghi taking charge after guiding Inter Milan to last season's Champions League final.

Alonso noted that the recent managerial change makes it difficult to anticipate Al Hilal's style of play.

"We have to prepare for the match in the best possible way. They'll be a tough opponent, no doubt. But the focus is on ourselves. They've not played under Inzaghi yet, so we don't know exactly how they'll set up.

"We need the hunger to win, to compete, to play well. We have to bring a lot of things together—team spirit, self-belief, pride in the badge. The team already has that, but we must continue to build on it. We must be a proper team," he said.

Alonso was also asked about the right-back position, where Dani Carvajal now faces competition from new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who arrived from Liverpool.

"It's a privilege to have such top-quality players. Trent is more flexible in terms of positioning, but Carva brings personality and competitiveness. Trent's initial impact has been very positive."

Commenting on several players, Alonso had particular praise for England international Jude Bellingham, suggesting he may be better suited to a central midfield role rather than a more advanced position.

"Jude has the ability to cover a lot of ground. He has the soul of a midfielder—he enjoys being involved—but he also has excellent timing and quality when arriving in the final third. The key is to start him in the right areas. If we find him in the right spaces, he can really make the difference," he said.

Alonso also reflected on working with veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, who is expected to leave the club soon at the age of 39.

"It's easy with Luka. We've always had a great relationship—friends, and now coach and player. I admire how he mentors the younger players; he's a great influence. We want to enjoy having him around for these final weeks. He's a player of his generation. To be able to get a bit more out of him is a real luxury."