Kylian Mbappé has not been included in the matchday squad for Real Madrid ahead of their highly anticipated El Clásico clash against FC Barcelona on Sunday, dealing a major blow to the Spanish giants ahead of a crucial La Liga fixture.

The absence comes after Mbappé had been recovering from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined in recent days. Although he was seen training with his teammates on Friday and had raised hopes of a possible return, he was ultimately left out of the official squad list released by Real Madrid on social media. The decision suggests the club is taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury.

The timing of the setback is significant, as the upcoming El Clásico carries major title implications. FC Barcelona are in a strong position in the La Liga race and could potentially secure the league title with at least a draw, depending on other results. For Real Madrid, the match is seen as a must-win encounter to keep their championship hopes alive.

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Mbappé’s absence removes one of Madrid’s most dangerous attacking threats from the fixture. Since joining the club, he has been a key figure in their forward line, contributing pace, goals, and creativity. His injury-enforced exclusion is expected to force tactical adjustments for the coaching staff, who will need to rely on other attacking options to challenge Barcelona’s defence.

The decision also highlights the broader concern around player fitness during a congested season, where clubs are managing injuries carefully amid domestic and European commitments. Real Madrid are expected to monitor Mbappé’s recovery closely in the coming days, with hopes that he could return for the final stretch of the campaign if his rehabilitation progresses smoothly.

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