Kylian Mbappé injury update: El Clásico picture becomes clearer for Real Madrid star

There is growing optimism after Kylian Mbappé’s medical tests, though it remains measured and cautious. The results are notable, but not definitive in terms of availability for El Clásico.

No tear for Mbappé

A scan ruled out a muscle tear. Instead, it confirmed a muscle overload during the final stage of his recovery process. He is still not at 100 percent, but he is close. The real issue now is time. With only three days left before the clash with Barcelona, the window is extremely narrow.

Mbappé completed part of Thursday’s training session with the group. He later worked individually and finished his day with the physiotherapy staff, following his tailored recovery plan.

The current reading is straightforward. He is expected to be included in the squad, but starting is highly unlikely.

It has now been 13 days since the issue first appeared. The discomfort began at La Cartuja during the match against Real Betis, following an explosive movement that triggered pain in the semitendinosus muscle of his left leg.

At first, it appeared minor, but it was enough to raise early concern. Mbappé still completed 81 minutes of that match before being substituted for Gonzalo.

Nine days passed before the next fixture, a stretch in which tension and speculation began to build around Real Madrid’s camp.

Mbappé’s Italy trip creates controversry

First came his absence from training sessions. He was quickly ruled out of the trip to Cornellà-El Prat, but what followed turned into a turning point in public perception.

With the team in a delicate moment, facing a match that could have effectively decided the title race, Mbappé traveled to Italy with his partner. The short trip, shared widely on social media, quickly went global and fueled debate among fans.

The timing, combined with his absence during rehabilitation, intensified the reaction.

Arbeloa addressed the situation directly, saying:

“All planning for injured players is supervised by Real Madrid’s medical staff. They determine when players need to be at Valdebebas and when they do not. From there, each player, in their free time, does what they consider appropriate. I cannot go into that.”

He added:

“I believe all my players understand what they represent, where they are, and how important that is.”

Backlash builds as tensions rise

By that point, frustration among fans was already evident, and it gradually extended into the club environment.

There was growing confusion over Mbappé’s decision to travel during recovery. The situation escalated further when he arrived in Madrid only 12 minutes before the match against Espanyol.

This week, he has slowly reappeared at Valdebebas. On Tuesday, a rest day for the squad, he trained with physiotherapists, a standard practice for injured players on off days. His medical evaluation scheduled for Wednesday was pushed to Thursday.

That assessment finally took place today.

Light session before El Clásico

Mbappé arrived at Valdebebas around 10 a.m. in his personal vehicle, beginning a long day of medical evaluation.

He first underwent a physical examination, followed by an MRI scan. The key finding was clear. There is no tear. Only mild inflammation consistent with a muscle overload.

While not serious, it does require caution if full recovery is not achieved.

He then moved to the pitch for a limited training session with teammates. The workload was minimal and tightly controlled, with no high-intensity sprints or powerful striking of the ball.

Everything was done gradually and cautiously.

Final Barcelona decision set for Saturday

The overall feeling inside the club is cautiously positive. After the group session, Mbappé returned to individual work and continued treatment with the physiotherapy staff.

The plan is for him to increase his participation in Friday’s session, spending more time with the group as he progresses.

From there, all attention turns to Saturday, the final training session before the trip to Barcelona and the last major test for his left leg.

At this stage, there are no guarantees inside the club, but the expectation is becoming clearer. Mbappé is likely to be included in the squad and start on the bench, with a potential 30-minute role if needed.

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