Why Is Mbappé Not Playing Today? Latest Injury Update

Kylian Mbappé missed Real Madrid’s crucial El Clásico defeat to Barcelona on Sunday, May 10, 2026, and remains sidelined as the club enters the final stretch of the 2025-26 La Liga season. The French superstar has not featured since April 24 due to a hamstring injury, and while he is pushing hard to return before the campaign ends, the club is proceeding with caution. Here’s the full latest update based on official reports, medical statements, and developments as of May 11.

How the Injury Happened

Mbappé suffered the injury during Real Madrid’s 1-1 La Liga draw away to Real Betis on April 24. He was substituted in the 81st minute after feeling discomfort and was later diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg (a key hamstring muscle). Real Madrid’s official medical report on April 27 confirmed the issue but provided no return timeline, stating simply: “Awaiting progress.”

Initial assessments suggested it was a relatively mild strain rather than a full tear. Scans ruled out a serious rupture, describing it instead as inflammation consistent with muscle overload during the recovery phase. However, the timing, late in a disappointing season for Madrid, who trail Barcelona in the title race, raised questions about risk management, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon this summer.

Recovery Timeline and the El Clásico Drama

• Early May: Mbappé was ruled out of the May 3 match against Espanyol. He continued individual rehab work, including gym and pool sessions, while some reports noted he spent part of his recovery in Paris and Sardinia (Italy). His representatives stressed that the trip was fully coordinated with the club’s medical staff and did not reflect any lack of commitment.

  
  

• Mid-May buildup: By early last week, optimism grew. Mbappé reportedly passed medical tests, rejoined group training on Friday (May 8), and was expected to be available for the squad for El Clásico. Reports from Cope and others described him as “back” and in good spirits.

  
  

• Saturday, May 9–10: The situation changed rapidly. Mbappé trained with the group but withdrew in the final minutes of the session after reporting discomfort. Multiple sources indicate he was informed he would not start (or might only be on the bench), after which he felt the issue flare up. He was subsequently excluded from the 21-man squad announced for the May 10 trip to Camp Nou.

Real Madrid lost 2-0, allowing Barcelona to clinch the La Liga title. Mbappé watched from home in Madrid and posted an Instagram Story supporting the team (“Hala Madrid”) after the scoreline was already 2-0, sparking mixed fan reactions.

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa has been blunt: “I don’t know. Two weeks remain, and depending on how he evolves from the discomfort he currently has, we’ll see if he can play or not.” The club has emphasized it will not rush him.