Kylian Mbappe's participation in the upcoming El Clasico is uncertain due to a left thigh injury. His return is now expected around mid-May.
Mentioned in this story
Real Madrid megastar’s El Clasico participation in doubt; return set for mid-May
Real Madrid could be without their biggest star for the most important match of the season, with Kylian Mbappe now a serious doubt for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.
Mbappe has been sidelined since late April after picking up a left thigh injury during the clash against Real Betis.
While initial reports suggested he could return in time for the decisive fixture on May 10, the situation has now changed.
Current indications from Le Parisien are that the French forward is very unlikely to recover in time for El Clasico, dealing a major blow to Real Madrid’s hopes in the title race.
The forward’s recovery plan appears to be focused on the bigger picture.
It is suggested in the French outlet that Mbappe is aiming to reach peak fitness for the upcoming international tournament with France, scheduled between June and July.
As a result, there is no intention to rush his comeback on the club level.
Kylian Mbappe's participation in the El Clasico is in doubt due to a left thigh injury.
Kylian Mbappe is now expected to return around mid-May.
Kylian Mbappe sustained a left thigh injury during a match against Real Betis in late April.
Josh Inglis has arrived in India and is set to debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians on May 4. His late arrival followed mixed reports about his availability for the IPL season.
Bayern's Olise and Bruno Fernandes in tight race for assist crown
Roy Hodgson hinted that his managerial career may be over after Bristol City's 2-0 win against Stoke. He completed a seven-match interim role and stated he won't actively seek another position.
Predicting the Dolphins' record for the 2026 season after NFL draft moves.
Spalletti warns Juventus not to make calculations for top four, expresses dissatisfaction with Milan draw.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Mbappe might not make it in time for the El Clasico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The expectation is that he will return to full fitness by mid-May, and that timeline leaves very little room for him to be involved against Barcelona.
During his recovery period, Mbappe has been spotted in Italy, with videos circulating online showing him leaving a restaurant in Cagliari. The footage has quickly gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from supporters.
Some Real Madrid fans have questioned the timing of the trip, suggesting that the player should be more focused on recovery or maintain a lower profile while injured.
What is already confirmed is that Mbappe will miss the upcoming match against Espanyol and with the title race still psychologically alive, losing such an influential player at this point could prove costly.
In that regard, the El Clasico was seen as a potential turning point in the title race, but Mbappe’s likely absence changes the equation significantly.
Even if he returns shortly after, the timing suggests that the Barcelona clash may come too soon.
With pressure building and little margin for error, Real Madrid now have to prepare for that particular match without their star forward.