Real Madrid have confirmed that Kylian Mbappe has sustained a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg, raising doubts about his participation in the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona on May 11. The club issued a statement on Monday noting that the 27-year-old's recovery will be closely monitored.
It remains uncertain whether the injury will affect Mbappe’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup, which begins in June. France is placed in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, with their campaign starting against Senegal on June 16.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa had previously said that Mbappe experienced discomfort during the 1-1 draw against Real Betis on Saturday and requested to be substituted in the 81st minute. He was replaced by Gonzalo Garcia and left the pitch immediately for treatment. “I have no idea [what’s wrong with Mbappe],” Arbeloa stated in his post-match press conference. “He felt some discomfort. We will see how he evolves over the next few days.”
Mbappe is currently the top scorer in La Liga with 24 goals this season. Real Madrid sit second in the league after 33 games, with 74 points from 23 wins, five draws, and five losses, trailing leaders Barcelona by 11 points.
Real Madrid’s 2025-26 season has also seen a quarterfinal exit in the Copa del Rey, losing to Alaves 3-2 on penalties, and a quarterfinal defeat in the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich with a 6-4 aggregate score.