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Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid return kicked off with a 1-1 FIFA Club World Cup draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Los Blancos produced a mixed performance in Miami as Alonso was forced to settle for a point in his debut as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement.
The former Spanish international has been working hard to get his ideas across inside a short window ahead of the flight to the USA and there is plenty of work to be done.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted it will take to shift away from Ancelotti-ball and become tuned into Alonso's ambitious plans.
However, Alonso's cause against Al Hilal was not helped by the absence of star striker Kylian Mbappe, who was not fit to even make the bench at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Mbappe's replacement - Gonzalo Garcia - netted the opening goal against Al Hilal and Alonso admitted he is unsure over when the France international can return.
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Kylian Mbappe injury latest: Alonso confirms Club World Cup issue
Mbappe secured the La Liga Golden Boot at the end of sensational first season in the Spanish top-flight with 31 league goals scored and 43 across all competitions.
However, a viral infection blocked him from featuring against Al Hilal and Alonso confirmed his return remains under review.
"We still don’t know if he’ll be ready for the next match. He’s dealing with a serious viral infection. We’ll monitor his progress closely in the coming days," he said at full-time.
Real Madrid are unlikely to remove Mbappe from their squad - with confidence over his recovery still high - but he may not start until their final group match.
Next up for Alonso's side is a Group H clash with Mexican outfit Pachuca in North Carolina on June 22 before a final group game against RB Salzburg on June 27 in Philadelphia.
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