Real Madrid began the Xabi Alonso era this week with a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal without their top goalscorer of the season, Kylian Mbappe.The French forward, who has plundered 44 goals already this

The Italian, who already has a new job managing Brazil’s national team, was given an honourable farewell by the Santiago Bernabeu as the coach with the most titles (15) in the club’s history, though the arrival of Alonso has brought a boost of enthusiasm.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal, Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso said that Mbappe was dealing with "a serious viral infection". Real Madrid then revealed on Thursday afternoon that Mbappe was suffering with acute gastroenteritis and had been hospitalised due to the illness.