Why isn’t Mbappé playing in El Clásico friendly match against Barcelona today?

Kylian Mbappé will not play a part in Real Madrid’s pre-season friendly match against FC Barcelona (7pm ET).

The striker has not travelled to the United States and will not form part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad at any point until they return to Europe. He is set to be back for Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup game against Europa League winners Atalanta, which takes place in Poland on August 14.

Real Madrid got their pre-season campaign underway with a game against AC Milan, where a goal from former LaLiga winger Samu Chukwueze sealed the win for the Italians.

Will Vinicius Jr play against Barcelona?

The Brazilian winger arrived to the States on August 1, joining up with the rest of the side. along with fellow Brazilians, Rodrygo and Éder Militão. It remains to be seen if any of the trio will be put on the pitch by Carlo Ancelotti, who relied heavily on youth players in the previous game against AC Milan.

However, match fitness and tactical understanding in match conditions will be key for Ancelotti, and were any of them to appear it would not be a great surprise.

Which other Real Madrid players won’t play against Barcelona?

Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal will all remain in Spain while the rest of the squad complete the US tour.

They will all undergo specific preparation plans at the Valdebebas training centre in northeastern Madrid ahead of the start of the new season, which kicks off on August 18 against Mallorca.

This is, along with Mbappé, due to the fact that they all participated in international tournaments during the summer, getting to the latter stages of the events, and therefore require more rest than their teammates ahead of the opening day of the 24/25 campaign.

The pre-season game between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be played on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.