Real Madrid omit Mbappe from El Clasico squad amid coach's criticism over recovery holiday
Vinicius Jr leads the attack as Barcelona enter the fixture as favourites to secure their 29th La Liga title.
Kylian Mbappe has been excluded from Real Madrid's 21-man squad for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona, despite evidence suggesting the French forward has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring injury to participate in training drills. The decision to omit the league's leading goal scorer from the roster named for the fixture at Camp Nou marks a significant absence for Los Blancos as they face their archrivals in a match that could determine the Spanish champions.
While images from the home training session on Saturday indicated Mbappe was participating in drills, the coaching staff deemed him unfit for the intensity of the match. This divergence between visual recovery and official selection highlights the strict fitness standards required for the fixture. Vinicius Jr is set to lead the attack in Mbappe's absence, supported by Brahim Diaz and Gonzalo Torres in the forward line.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa publicly addressed the omission by criticising Mbappe for taking a holiday to Sardinia during his recovery period. Arbeloa stated that the club expects players to demonstrate effort and sacrifice rather than seeking leisure during injury rehabilitation. The manager emphasised that the team was built on players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat and mud, drawing a sharp contrast between institutional expectations and the player's conduct.
The squad selection also included Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, despite a recent on-pitch clash with teammate Federico Valverde that resulted in a €500,000 fine for both players. This inclusion underscores the depth of the squad and the necessity of rotation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, even as disciplinary issues persist within the dressing room.
Barcelona enter the match as favourites to retain the La Liga title, holding an 11-point lead over their opponents. A draw in this fixture would be sufficient to seal their 29th championship, leaving only three games remaining in the season. The Catalan giants are expected to win their last four league games, potentially matching the all-time record of 100 points if they secure victory against the fracturing Madrid side.
Mbappe is expected to return to full fitness for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with upcoming friendlies against the Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland scheduled for early June. The French forward, who was defeated finalists at Qatar 2022, will open the tournament against Senegal in June, but his immediate contribution to the squad for this crucial domestic clash remains suspended.
