Real Madrid striker Mbappe doubtful for El Clasico following confirmed thigh injury
Further testing has downgraded an initial assessment of muscular overload to a specific injury of the semitendinosus muscle, raising concerns ahead of the crucial fixture against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have confirmed that their star striker Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona after sustaining an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. The diagnosis follows a match against Real Betis on Friday, 27 April, where the French international went off hurt during the club's 1-1 draw. While the institution initially reported a muscular overload, subsequent tests have clarified the specific nature of the ailment.
The timing of this development is critical for the Spanish top flight, with the El Clasico fixture scheduled for 10 May. Mbappe's potential absence adds significant pressure to Real Madrid's title defence, particularly given that they currently trail league leaders Barcelona by 11 points. The club faces a tight schedule, playing against Espanyol on Sunday before the decisive match against the Catalan giants.
Real Madrid manager Hansi Flick faces the prospect of his side being crowned champions for a second successive season if they secure victory in the coming fixtures. However, the club's precarious position means that dropping points against Espanyol, combined with a Barcelona win against Osasuna on Saturday, could see the title slip away. The severity of Mbappe's injury could be the deciding factor in whether Madrid can maintain their lead over the league leaders.
The injury diagnosis complicates the broader context of the upcoming international tournament. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Mbappe's fitness remains a key variable for the French national team. The 27-year-old has already expressed frustration regarding his injury record this campaign, noting that a previous knee issue caused his longest career absence of two months.
Mbappe's situation places him among a group of high-profile players facing potential issues ahead of the global tournament. Other notable names currently dealing with similar concerns include Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, Egyptian great Mohamed Salah, and Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. The convergence of these injuries highlights the physical demands placed on elite athletes during the transition from domestic leagues to international competition.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the El Clasico, there is hope that Mbappe could regain full fitness before the World Cup starts. The club's medical team will continue to monitor the semitendinosus injury closely, with the final decision on his participation resting on further assessments as the fixture date approaches.
