Mbappe injury clouds Real Madrid’s Clasico plans

Real Madrid may have to prepare for next month’s meeting with Barcelona without Kylian Mbappe after the striker suffered a hamstring problem.

The France international was taken off in the 81st minute during Friday’s 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Betis. Following medical tests, Madrid confirmed he has an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg, with the club continuing to monitor his recovery.

Crucial fixtures approach

With only five league matches left, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side are 11 points behind Barcelona and running out of time in the title race.

Madrid first travels to Espanyol on Sunday before making the trip to the Nou Camp on 10 May for El Clasico, a match that could now come too soon for Mbappe depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.

Difficult season for Los Blancos

Real’s campaign has already suffered a major blow after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich last week.

That exit increased the possibility of Madrid ending the season without silverware, adding further pressure as they chase Barcelona in the closing weeks of the domestic season.

Mbappe’s numbers and International focus

Despite previous fitness issues, including a knee problem that sidelined him for nearly a month earlier this year, Mbappe has delivered impressive numbers.

He has scored 24 times in 28 La Liga appearances, along with 15 goals in 11 Champions League matches. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is scheduled to begin on 11 June.