Real Madrid has officially confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will miss this Sunday’s crucial El Clásico against FC Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. The announcement came as the club released its traveling squad, leaving the French superstar behind in Madrid.
A Shocking Setback in Training
Mbappé had been battling a muscle injury over the past few weeks, but optimism was high after he completed full training sessions on Thursday and Friday without any issues. However, according to Diario AS, disaster struck during Saturday’s final session.
The 26-year-old felt sharp pain in his hamstring, forcing him to stop immediately and leave the pitch. Following further medical tests, the decision was made to exclude him from the squad entirely to avoid a long-term setback.
World Cup 2026 Concerns
With only three matches remaining in the season after El Clásico, it remains unclear if Mbappé will feature again this term. There are reports that the player may prioritize full recovery to ensure he is at 100% fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the French national team.
Courtois Returns Amidst Squad Crisis
While the Mbappé news is a blow, manager Alvaro Arbeloa received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. After a two-month absence, the Belgian is expected to start at the Camp Nou.
However, Real Madrid squad remains severely depleted. Along with Mbappé, the following players are absent:
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Injury List: Fede Valverde, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Arda Güler, Rodrygo, and Dani Carvajal.
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Technical Decision: Dani Ceballos continues to be excluded due to ongoing disagreements with Arbeloa.
