Kylian Mbappé picked up a left hamstring (semitendinosus muscle) injury during Real Madrid’s 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Betis on April 24, 2026. The French superstar asked to be substituted in the 81st minute after feeling discomfort, marking a worrying moment in his 100th appearance for the club.
Real Madrid confirmed it as a muscle overload or minor strain in the semitendinosus area of his left leg. Initial ultrasound scans delivered positive news, suggesting the issue is not severe, though an MRI was scheduled for further clarity. The club stated his recovery “will be monitored” closely.
Current Status and Expected Recovery Timeline
Early assessments indicate this is a minor hamstring overload rather than a full tear or grade 2/3 strain. Reports describe it as “not serious” pending final tests, with many sources noting it could resolve with rest and treatment in a few days to two weeks at most.
- Mbappé is likely to miss Real Madrid’s next league game against Espanyol (around May 3).
- The key target remains El Clásico against Barcelona on May 10, 2026, at Spotify Camp Nou (kick-off 21:00 CEST).
Multiple updates suggest Mbappé will do everything possible to be ready for the biggest La Liga fixture of the season. If the injury is as mild as initial scans imply, a recovery window of under two weeks makes him highly likely to feature — potentially even starting, depending on how he trains in the coming days.
Journalist @damiancasol reported: “Kylian Mbappé will do everything possible to be ready for the Clasico on May 10.”
Why This Matters for Real Madrid
Mbappé has been in sensational form this season, scoring over 40 goals across all competitions. His absence would be a major blow as Real Madrid fight for La Liga points (they trail leaders Barcelona) and prepare for the climax of the campaign. A fully fit Mbappé adds explosive pace, finishing, and threat that could decide the outcome at Camp Nou.
However, the club and medical staff are expected to take a cautious approach — especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away (France open their campaign in mid-June). Rushing him back risks a relapse, so monitoring will be strict.
Will Mbappé Play in El Clásico? Prediction
Yes — he is expected to be fit in time, according to the latest optimistic reports.
- Best-case scenario: Minor overload → returns to training soon → available for selection on May 10.
- Cautious scenario: He may start on the bench or be managed with limited minutes to avoid aggravating the hamstring.
Fans should watch for official updates from Real Madrid after the MRI results and subsequent training sessions. As of now, the mood around Valdebebas is cautiously positive.