Speculation is mounting in Spain after Onda Cero hinted that Kylian Mbappé may have feigned an injury to intentionally miss last Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
The French captain had just returned from a layoff and trained normally on Thursday and Friday. However, he reportedly reported sudden pain on Saturday, leading to his exclusion from the squad. According to reports, the timing is highly suspicious.
The “Bench” Provocation
-
Tactical Decision: Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly informed Mbappé on Saturday that he would start on the bench at the Spotify Camp Nou.
-
Immediate Reaction: Minutes after learning he wouldn’t start, Mbappé notified medical staff of hamstring discomfort.
-
The Fallout: Sources suggest Mbappé was furious at being dropped from the starting XI and refused to travel as a substitute, using the “injury” as a cover.
A Message to the Dressing Room?
Journalist Siro Lopez claimed on Cadena COPE that Mbappé’s absence was a calculated move to highlight his fractured relationship with Arbeloa and certain teammates. Lopez stated, “Mbappé feels the departure of Xabi Alonso was a massive mistake. By skipping the match, he’s effectively telling his teammates—who played a role in Alonso’s exit—to fix the mess themselves.”
Despite posting an Instagram story supporting the team during the match, Mbappé faced a wave of criticism from fans who felt he should have supported his teammates in person at the stadium.
