Real Madrid's star striker Kylian Mbappe is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The French World Cup winner was substituted after 81 minutes during Friday's 1-1 La Liga draw with Real Betis. The club has confirmed that Mbappe has been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg and his recovery is being closely monitored.
With Real Madrid trailing league leaders Barcelona by 11 points and only five games remaining, the timing of the injury is a major blow. The team faces a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a trip to Espanyol on Sunday before the highly anticipated visit to the Nou Camp on May 10.
Already eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich last week, Real Madrid now faces the prospect of a trophyless season. Mbappe, who missed nearly a month earlier this year with a knee problem, has been in sensational form, netting 24 goals in 28 La Liga appearances and 15 goals in 11 Champions League matches this season.
His availability could also be a concern for France ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in the US, Canada, and Mexico.