Real Madrid superstar running the risk of getting suspended for El Clasico vs Barcelona — here’s why | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s season is all but over in terms of the title race, but there is still a subplot worth watching closely as they navigate the final five matches of the campaign.

Kylian Mbappe has been the one genuine bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for Los Blancos, leading the La Liga scoring charts with 24 goals and firmly in control of the Pichichi race ahead of Vedat Muriqi.

However, a looming suspension threat could see him miss the most high-profile fixture remaining on Real Madrid’s calendar.

The yellow card situation

Mbappe currently sits on four yellow cards in La Liga, meaning one more booking will trigger a one-match ban.

With Real Madrid’s next fixture coming against Espanyol, followed by the Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, the timing could hardly be more significant.

Mbappe is one yellow card away from suspension. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Should Mbappe pick up a caution against Espanyol, he would be ruled out of the Clasico against Barcelona, a match that, despite Real Madrid’s title hopes being effectively extinguished, carries enormous prestige.

Following the 1-1 draw with Real Betis, Real Madrid now trail Barcelona by 11 points with just five matches remaining.

The title race is over in all but name, and Arbeloa’s side are playing purely for pride at this stage.

But the game could be important for Mbappe personally. The Frenchman, after all, has received a lot of criticism for his performance against Real Betis.

The former PSG superstar looked completely out of sorts in Arbeloa’s system and it was yet another reminder of how certain players have struggled to deal with the coach’s methods.

Meanwhile, Mbappe is also nursing a hamstring injury he picked up against Betis. Despite positive results, the Frenchman is expected to undergo more scans.