Kylian Mbappé injury update: Will Real Madrid star play against Barcelona in El Clásico?
Real Madrid star is under pressure as fans react to Sardinia getaway and delayed return before Espanyol game.
With Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff against Barcelona fast approaching, Kylian Mbappé is set for a decisive fitness test on Wednesday that will determine whether he can feature in El Clásico. Real Madrid are pushing to have him available, not only for the showdown at the Camp Nou but also to delay Barcelona’s potential title celebration by at least another week.
Late concern after initial diagnosis
The club initially described the issue as minor muscle tightness, but after 48 hours, further testing was ordered to better understand the extent of the discomfort and map out a recovery timeline. Those results have left Mbappé as a serious doubt right up until matchday.
Mbappé’s Sardinia trip sparks backlash
The French forward returned to Madrid on Monday following a controversial weekend trip. Mbappé traveled to Cagliari, on the Italian island of Sardinia, with his partner to rest, but his timing raised eyebrows. He arrived back in the Spanish capital just 12 minutes before kickoff of Real Madrid’s game against Espanyol in Cornellà, a move that has irritated sections of the fanbase.
Race against time for Barcelona
Back in Madrid, the Bondy native resumed recovery work on a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg. Wednesday’s session will serve as the final checkpoint to decide whether he can make the trip to Barcelona or be forced to sit out one of the biggest games of the season.
For Madrid, the equation is simple. With or without Mbappé could shape not only the result of El Clásico, but also the timing of Barcelona’s title celebrations.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.