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.

Today’s Update (May 11) and Mbappé’s Determination.

Real Madrid gave the squad a day off following the Clásico loss, but Mbappé reported to the Valdebebas training center anyway. He posted an Instagram Story from the gym, signaling his dedication. According to Marca and other outlets, the 27-year-old has explicitly told the medical staff and Arbeloa that he wants to feature in all three remaining La Liga matches to regain match sharpness ahead of the World Cup.

Remaining fixtures:

• Thursday, May 14: Real Madrid vs Real Oviedo (home, 9:30 p.m. CEST)

• Sunday, May 17: Sevilla vs Real Madrid (away)

• May 23/24: Real Madrid vs Athletic Club (home)

No new injury has been reported. The current issue is residual inflammation and incomplete recovery from the original semitendinosus strain. A recent scan confirmed no tear, just mild overload. Mbappé is described as “close” but not yet at 100%.

Why the Caution, and Any Controversy?

Real Madrid have nothing left to fight for in the league (title already gone), so protecting their star asset for the World Cup makes sense. Mbappé, La Liga’s top scorer with 24 goals this season, is France’s talisman. Some fans and media criticized his Sardinia trip and the training incident timing, with rumors of tension in the dressing room. However, sources close to the player maintain full coordination with the club, and there is no indication of a rift that would keep him out longer than medically necessary.

Outlook

Mbappé is expected to continue targeted training this week. A return for the Oviedo match on May 14 is possible but not guaranteed, likely as a substitute if he features at all. The club and player are aligned on prioritizing full fitness for the World Cup over rushed appearances in low-stakes league games. Mbappé’s absence has been felt, but his proactive approach today shows he is determined not to miss the season’s final weeks entirely. Stay tuned, updates from Valdebebas over the next 48 hours will be decisive. Hala Madrid, and get well soon, Kylian.