Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his hope that Kylian Mbappe will return to the squad in top condition for their upcoming Club World Cup last-16 clash against Juventus on Tuesday, July 1. Mbappe has been sidelined with gastroenteritis, missing the entirety of the tournament up to this point.

Alonso addressed the media following Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday, a result that secured their top spot in Group H. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring, later assisting Fede Valverde with an impressive backheel for the second goal. Gonzalo Garcia added a third goal late in the match.

When questioned about the potential of playing both Vinicius and Mbappe together against Juventus, Alonso was optimistic. "They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside… it's not mutually exclusive, things can work, there's individual quality, but we need the team to function," Alonso stated. "All together, not one, one, one. We want [Mbappe] back, we expect him to be in the best possible shape. I can't say he'll play, but we're optimistic for Tuesday."

Alonso also praised Vinicius's commitment, stating, "I'm not just impressed by the goal and the assist. I'm impressed by his defensive commitment. It's allowed us to play together. In attack, he's had more freedom in the center and not wide. Gonzalo makes the centre-backs work. I'm happy for Vini; it's good to have a good feeling. We have to keep going; there's still a long way to go."

Mbappe's absence has been a talking point throughout the Club World Cup. Alonso acknowledged the team needs Mbappe, stating, "I don't want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him because he's a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he's back soon. We need him and we want him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition."

Real Madrid finished atop Group H with seven points, while Juventus secured second place in Group G with six points. Juventus won their initial matches against Al Ain and Wydad but suffered a 5-2 defeat against Manchester City in their final group stage game.

In related news, Mbappe has also filed a complaint against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, alleging "moral harassment" during his final season after he refused to sign a contract extension. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that Mbappe claimed he was sidelined by the club, kept off the preseason tour to Japan and South Korea, and forced to train with fringe players. Mbappe and PSG are also reportedly in dispute over 55 million euros ($61 million) in unpaid wages.