Real Madrid megastar’s El Clasico participation in doubt; return set for mid-May | OneFootball

Real Madrid could be without their biggest star for the most important match of the season, with Kylian Mbappe now a serious doubt for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.

Mbappe has been sidelined since late April after picking up a left thigh injury during the clash against Real Betis. 

While initial reports suggested he could return in time for the decisive fixture on May 10, the situation has now changed.

Current indications from Le Parisien are that the French forward is very unlikely to recover in time for El Clasico, dealing a major blow to Real Madrid’s hopes in the title race.

Prioritising World Cup over rushed return

The forward’s recovery plan appears to be focused on the bigger picture. 

It is suggested in the French outlet that Mbappe is aiming to reach peak fitness for the upcoming international tournament with France, scheduled between June and July.

As a result, there is no intention to rush his comeback on the club level. 

Mbappe might not make it in time for the El Clasico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The expectation is that he will return to full fitness by mid-May, and that timeline leaves very little room for him to be involved against Barcelona.

During his recovery period, Mbappe has been spotted in Italy, with videos circulating online showing him leaving a restaurant in Cagliari. The footage has quickly gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from supporters.

Some Real Madrid fans have questioned the timing of the trip, suggesting that the player should be more focused on recovery or maintain a lower profile while injured.

What is already confirmed is that Mbappe will miss the upcoming match against Espanyol and with the title race still psychologically alive, losing such an influential player at this point could prove costly.

El Clasico doubt raises concern

In that regard, the El Clasico was seen as a potential turning point in the title race, but Mbappe’s likely absence changes the equation significantly.

Even if he returns shortly after, the timing suggests that the Barcelona clash may come too soon. 

With pressure building and little margin for error, Real Madrid now have to prepare for that particular match without their star forward.