Mbappe Set for Bench Role in El Clasico

Kylian Mbappe is expected to be available for Real Madrid in Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona, though he will likely start on the substitutes' bench. Spanish reports indicate the French forward participated in part of Thursday's group training session ahead of the highly anticipated match at Camp Nou, which corresponds to La Liga's 35th matchday.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Mbappe passed medical examinations conducted on Thursday morning. The tests confirmed the player is not suffering from any muscle tear, but rather a minor overload in the muscle during the final phase of his recovery. The report added that while Mbappe will not be at 100% fitness for the clash, he will begin the game among the substitutes.

Defender's Surgery Scheduled

In separate team news, the same outlet revealed that Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy will undergo surgery on Monday. The procedure follows an injury to the rectus femoris tendon in his right leg, and he is expected to be sidelined for a period of between five and six months.