Mbappé Feels "Good" to Face Dortmund, But His Starting Spot Remains Uncertain

Following Real Madrid's victory over Juventus, the team is gearing up for a crucial clash against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. One of the biggest unknowns heading into this match is Kylian Mbappé's participation; after overcoming health issues, he already saw minutes in the previous game.

Coach Xabi Alonso spoke with the French forward before the trip to New Jersey to assess his physical condition. "The body knows itself better than anyone, that's why I need to know your sensations, your impulses...", Alonso told Mbappé, seeking a direct assessment from his player.

Mbappé responded optimistically, though cautiously: "I don't know about the full 90 minutes, but I'm good, mister," he assured the coach. This statement opens up the debate about whether the French prodigy will be in the starting eleven or if Alonso will opt for caution, giving Gonzalo the opportunity instead.

Recent gastroenteritis has significantly affected Mbappé's weight, posing an obstacle to his full recovery. His process of regaining strength and returning to his ideal weight is gradual, which adds a factor of uncertainty to his performance.

Alonso expressed confidence in Mbappé's improvement: "Day by day he'll get better. From now until the quarterfinals, in three days, he'll be better, and we'll keep an eye on him. I talk to him every day, and I think he'll be better for the quarterfinals," the strategist affirmed after the match against Juventus.

The possibility of playing Gonzalo and Mbappé together was also a topic of discussion at the press conference. "Gonzalo and Mbappé together? I'm not preparing for the next game yet. I'm happy with Gonzalo and the whole team. We need to start knowing what we need. We'll draw good conclusions," Xabi Alonso replied, making it clear that the final decision on the lineup will be made based on the team's specific needs for the match.

Xabi Alonso is considering two main scenarios for Mbappé: either he starts and plays around 60 minutes, or he comes on after halftime to get quality minutes in the second half. The final decision will be announced on the day of the match, keeping fans in suspense about the star's participation.