The French striker has injured the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg and is doubtful to play, the club announced.
Published April 27, 2026
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is doubtful to feature in the next El Clasico against Barcelona after the club confirmed he injured his thigh during the previous game.
Real Madrid announced Mbappé’s injury on Monday, less than two weeks until the May 10th match, the biggest match in Spanish domestic football.
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“He has been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg,” the club announced after the league’s top scorer was injured in Friday’s 1-1 draw between Madrid and Real Betis in La Liga.
Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top league with 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, will play Espanyol on Sunday before facing the Catalan giants the following weekend.
Real Madrid initially suggested Mbappé was suffering from muscle overload, but further tests revealed the top scorer was injured.
If Madrid drop points against Espanyol without the player and Barcelona defeat Osasuna on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side will be crowned champions for the second consecutive season.
Mbappé has been plagued by injuries this season, causing concerns in France ahead of the World Cup, which starts June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 27-year-old, who was crowned world champion in 2018, suffered knee problems that forced him out for two months, the longest of his career, which he admitted had caused him “frustration, anger and anxiety”.
Mbappe becomes the latest player to join Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, Egyptian great Mohamed Salah and Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal on the injured list ahead of the World Cup.
However, the French captain will be able to regain full fitness before the start of the tournament on June 11th.
