The excitement surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid has quickly turned into concern as the French superstar faces a worrying setback just weeks before the new season kicks off. The club confirmed earlier today that Mbappe has been left out of the squad for the upcoming friendly against Red Bull Salzburg due to health concerns, sending shockwaves through the Madridista community.

According to sources close to the club, Mbappe has experienced a significant weight loss of around 5 kilograms over the past few weeks. While the exact reason behind this worrying development remains undisclosed, insiders suggest that the rapid weight loss is linked to physical exhaustion and adaptation struggles following his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint Germain.

Coach Xabi Alonso, who is entering his first full season in charge of the Spanish giants, expressed deep concern over Mbappe’s current condition during a closed-door training session on Tuesday. Alonso reportedly told his staff that Mbappe does not appear physically ready to meet the intense demands of pre-season and fears the forward may not be fully fit for the start of the La Liga campaign.

The club’s medical team is understood to be conducting further evaluations to determine the root cause of the weight loss and ensure there are no underlying health issues. For now, Mbappe has been instructed to rest and follow a personalised training program, keeping him sidelined from competitive action.

This latest development comes as yet another frustrating chapter for Real Madrid fans, who were eagerly anticipating Mbappe’s long-awaited debut. The 25-year-old forward completed his blockbuster move to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer after years of speculation, with many expecting him to spearhead Madrid’s attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

However, his absence from the Salzburg clash raises serious questions about his readiness and fitness levels. Club officials have remained tight-lipped on whether Mbappe will feature in any of the upcoming pre-season matches, including the high-profile fixtures against AC Milan and Chelsea.

The timing could not be worse for Madrid, who are already dealing with a growing injury list. Brazilian defender Eder Militao and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga are still in rehabilitation following last season’s setbacks, leaving Alonso with limited options as he prepares his squad for an intense season across multiple competitions.

Fans have taken to social media to express their concerns, with many urging the club to prioritise Mbappe’s health over rushing him onto the pitch. Some supporters fear that the physical issues could be a sign of deeper problems as Mbappe adjusts to life in Spain, both mentally and physically.

Despite the concerns, club insiders insist there is no immediate panic behind the scenes. Madrid’s technical staff are believed to be taking a cautious approach, aiming to have Mbappe fully recovered and in peak condition before he makes his competitive debut.

For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming medical updates and whether Mbappe can regain his strength in time to lead Los Blancos into what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. With La Liga and Champions League ambitions at stake, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid to manage the situation carefully and ensure their star signing can live up to the sky-high expectations.