Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is a major doubt for the upcoming El Clásico clash after the club confirmed he has suffered a thigh injury.
In an official statement released on Monday, Madrid revealed that the France captain sustained an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. The issue occurred during their 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Betis last Friday, forcing the striker off the pitch.
The Spanish giants, currently second in the league standings and trailing leaders FC Barcelona by 11 points, now face a tense period. They will take on RCD Espanyol this weekend before the highly anticipated showdown with Barcelona on May 10.
Initially, the club believed Mbappé’s issue was a minor muscular overload. However, further medical tests confirmed a more serious injury, raising concerns about his availability for crucial fixtures.
Madrid’s title hopes could take a further hit if they drop points against Espanyol. Should Barcelona secure victory over CA Osasuna, managed by Hansi Flick, the Catalan side would clinch the La Liga title for a second consecutive season.
Mbappé’s fitness is also a growing concern on the international stage. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, France will be monitoring the situation closely.
The 27-year-old forward, who lifted the World Cup in 2018, has endured a frustrating season plagued by injuries. A recent knee problem sidelined him for two months — the longest absence of his career — and he previously admitted the setback caused him “frustration, anger and anxiety.”
