Mbappe Ruled Out of El Clasico After Training Setback

Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday that Kylian Mbappe will not feature in the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona, despite the forward having been close to full fitness in recent days. The sudden setback occurred just five minutes before the end of the team's training session, when Mbappe felt pain in his hamstring.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid had already assumed the French international would not be ready for the match, but his absence was confirmed in the most unexpected way. Mbappe abruptly stopped during the final moments of practice at Valdebebas, informed the coaching staff he could not continue, and immediately left the session.

Until that point, optimism had been building within the technical team. Mbappe had trained normally, fueling hopes that a decisive player would be available against Barcelona—a rival against whom the Frenchman has consistently scored.

The Clasico was also seen as an opportunity for Mbappe to reconnect with a segment of the Madrid fanbase, following recent performances that drew criticism from supporters who questioned the star's commitment.

Mbappe had completed both Thursday's and Friday's training sessions without apparent issue, following encouraging medical checks on the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh, before Sunday's relapse.