Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is a major doubt for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona after the club confirmed he has suffered a thigh injury.
The France captain limped off during Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis in La Liga on Friday, with initial reports suggesting a muscular overload. However, further medical tests have since revealed a more serious issue.
“Following the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. Awaiting progress,” the club said in a statement on Monday.
The setback comes less than two weeks before the May 10 showdown with Barcelona, a fixture that could have major implications for the La Liga title race. Madrid currently sit 11 points behind their rivals, meaning any further slip-ups could hand Hansi Flick’s side the championship.
Real Madrid face Espanyol this weekend before travelling to Barcelona, and Mbappe’s availability for both matches is now in serious doubt. Spanish media have even suggested the 27-year-old could miss the remainder of the season, although the club has not confirmed a timeline for his return.
The injury is another blow in what has already been a disrupted campaign for Mbappe, who has struggled with fitness issues throughout the season. He previously missed two months with a knee problem – the longest absence of his career – and later admitted it caused him “frustration, anger and anxiety”.
His latest setback will also raise concerns in France ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which begins on June 11. Mbappe, a 2018 world champion, is expected to play a leading role for his country, though his current injury status adds uncertainty to his preparation.
Mbappe is among several high-profile players facing fitness issues in the lead-up to the tournament, with others including Mohamed Salah, Xavi Simons, and Lamine Yamal also dealing with injuries.
For Real Madrid, the timing is particularly damaging as they look to salvage a disappointing season in which they have also been eliminated from the Champions League and trail Barcelona significantly in the league standings.
