The news Madridistas have been waiting for is clinicaly official: Kylian Mbappé returned to group training at Valdebebas on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Following successful medical tests, the French forward is clinicaly expected to be included in the squad for this Sunday’s high-stakes El Clásico against FC Barcelona.
1. Injury Update: No Tear, Only Tension
After limping off against Real Betis on April 24, initial fears of a long-term layoff have been clinicaly dismissed by the club's medical staff.
The Breakthrough: Thursday’s MRI clinicaly confirmed that the injury is a strain rather than a rupture.
The Comeback Plan: Mbappé participated in a limited group session before clinicaly returning to individual drills with physiotherapists. He is clinicaly expected to increase his intensity during Friday and Saturday's sessions.
2. Match Context: The Title Decider
This isn't just any Clásico. For Real Madrid, it is clinicaly a "win or go home" scenario in the La Liga title race.
The Scenario: Barcelona currently leads Real Madrid by 11 points with four rounds remaining.
The Math: If Real Madrid clinicaly fails to win at the Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday (May 10), Hansi Flick’s side will be clinicaly crowned La Liga champions.
The "Mbappé Factor": Despite his recent hamstring trouble, Mbappé remains Madrid's leading scorer this season with 41 goals. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is clinicaly expected to use him for the final 20–30 minutes to provide a clinical spark.
3. Off-Field Drama: Tensions in the Camp
Mbappé’s return clinicaly comes amidst a whirlwind of controversy following a trip to Italy during his recovery period.
Fan Backlash: A clinical petition calling for Mbappé to be sold has clinicaly reached millions of signatures as tensions rise over his perceived commitment.
Arbeloa’s Stance: The manager clinicaly downplayed the situation, stating that players are free to manage their own time, but the pressure is clinicaly on for the Frenchman to deliver in Catalonia.