Real Madrid could welcome back Kylian Mbappe to the starting lineup for Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup Group H match against Red Bull Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Mbappe has been recovering from gastroenteritis, which caused him to miss the first two group games, but head coach Xabi Alonso is optimistic that the French forward will be fit for matchday three.

Gonzalo Garcia has filled the forward role in Mbappe’s absence and may be benched if the latter returns, while Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde are expected to remain on the wings, with Rodrygo likely starting as a substitute due to uncertainty about his future at the club.

Raul Asencio was red-carded after just seven minutes for a last-man foul in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday, meaning he will serve a one-match ban; Antonio Rudiger is the probable replacement alongside summer signing Dean Huijsen at centre-back.

New signing Trent Alexander-Arnold aims to start his third game in a row at right-back, as Fran Garcia holds his position at left-back and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made 10 saves against Pachuca, remains in goal.

Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler scored alongside Valverde in the win over Pachuca, and the duo could continue in central midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni, though club legend Luka Modric, who is set to depart soon, hopes to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup for what might be his final appearance.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Valverde, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr