El Clasico: Real Madrid confirm Kylian Mbappe’s fitness vs Barcelona

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé could be available for Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona, despite recent concerns over his fitness.

The second La Liga meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid this season will take place at Camp Nou this weekend, with Barcelona having the chance to move closer to securing back-to-back league titles against their biggest rivals.

Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal, who is injured and expected to miss the remainder of the season. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are close to having a full squad available, although Mbappé’s condition has remained a major talking point.

The French forward missed Real Madrid’s previous league match against Espanyol after being substituted during the game against Real Betis two weeks ago. Initial reports suggested the injury could rule him out for the rest of the campaign, raising doubts over his participation in El Clásico.

However, Mbappé has since been seen back at Real Madrid’s training facilities, working with the ball and continuing his recovery programme.

According to Spanish journalist Abraham Romero of El Mundo, Mbappé has passed medical checks and is now in the final phase of his return. The expectation is that he will be included in Real Madrid’s squad for the clash against Barcelona.

The report adds that Mbappé took part in a short session with the group before continuing individual work in the gym and with the club’s physiotherapists.

While he is unlikely to start the match, Mbappé could be given minutes in the second half if his recovery continues as planned. Real Madrid will monitor his fitness in the days leading up to Sunday’s fixture before making a final decision.