The real reason Mbappé is training completely alone just days before El Clásico

At a glance

• Mbappé reported to Valdebebas on the squad’s day off to train individually ahead of El Clásico.
• The Frenchman is recovering from a left semitendinosus muscle injury suffered against Real Betis.
• A scheduled MRI on Wednesday will determine whether he can face Barcelona on May 10.

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Kylian Mbappé is letting his actions do the talking. With El Clásico less than a week away, the Real Madrid forward reported to Valdebebas on Tuesday for an individual training session while the rest of the squad enjoyed a scheduled day off – a deliberate move to signal his commitment after days of criticism over a trip to Sardinia during his injury recovery.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé is a huge doubt for the Clasico. It's very unlikely that he will play.

The player is totally focussed on being in perfect shape for the World Cup. The Real Madrid locker room considers that Kylian Mbappé is being unprofessional.

— @elmundoes pic.twitter.com/B0YYljEhvF

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 5, 2026

The MRI that will decide everything

Wednesday’s scan is now the central moment in Mbappé’s week. Real Madrid confirmed on April 27 that he sustained an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg during the match against Real Betis, and the upcoming MRI will show how far his recovery has progressed. If the results are positive, he becomes a genuine option for the Camp Nou. If there is any remaining risk, the club is unlikely to force it.

Álvaro Arbeloa will then face his own decision: whether Mbappé starts or comes off the bench. Given the circumstances, either option carries weight beyond tactics.

🚨 BREAKING: Not everyone at Real Madrid believes that Kylian Mbappé is TRULY injured. They claim this isn't the first time this season he has done this.

But, the club says he has suffered a minor muscle tear and tomorrow it will be decided if he will play El Clasico or not.… pic.twitter.com/2OyGtB0dAA

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 5, 2026

What is at stake for Mbappé in El Clásico

Barcelona can clinch the La Liga title if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid, while Madrid trail by 11 points with little left to play for in the league. That context makes the Clásico something different for Mbappé – less about the standings, more about reputation.

He remains Madrid’s top scorer this season, but the noise around the Sardinia trip has pulled the conversation away from football. His camp has pushed back firmly, insisting his recovery is being managed rigorously by the club. The solo session on Tuesday was part of the same argument, made without words.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé has shown up today at Valdebebas to continue his recovery process, despite today being an off day for the team.

— @AbrahamPRomero pic.twitter.com/1EVMVHyFT4

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 5, 2026

How Mbappé is pushing to return for El Clásico

A strong performance at the Camp Nou would do more for Mbappé’s standing than any statement. It would shift the narrative back to the reason he joined Real Madrid in the first place.

The MRI will open or close that door. Until then, he is doing the only thing he can: working.