Real Madrid are prioritising Kylian Mbappe’s full recovery as they prepare for El Clasico against Barcelona on 25 October.
The forward injured his left knee during the international break, but the club says he has been given permission to travel to Paris and that his rehabilitation is progressing normally. Real Madrid’s intention is to have Mbappe in peak condition for the meeting with Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou.
Mbappe was seen entering a nightclub in Paris with his girlfriend, Ester Exposito, on Thursday, prompting criticism from some Real Madrid supporters after photographs of the pair circulated on social media.
The reaction has partly focused on the fact that Mbappe is not recovering at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. Teammates including Fede Valverde and Ibrahima Konate are carrying out their rehabilitation there.
Some fans have also drawn comparisons with last season, when Mbappe’s holiday with Exposito received significant media coverage after he suffered an injury towards the end of the campaign.
Real Madrid’s medical report said Mbappe had sustained a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee. The injury is understood to usually keep players out for 10 to 14 days, which could allow him to return for the La Liga fixture against Villarreal on 19 October.
However, Real Madrid do not want to risk his fitness before the more significant match against Barcelona. His training programme and possible involvement in upcoming games will therefore be managed with El Clasico as the main priority.
Mbappe may not be selected in the starting line-up for the Villarreal match, even if he is fit enough to be included in the squad.
The match at Spotify Camp Nou is viewed within Real Madrid as a potentially decisive fixture in the season. They currently trail Barcelona by 6 points, while the two sides have also shown a clear difference in recent form.
The club’s approach is intended to ensure Mbappe reaches the fixture without suffering a setback, rather than rushing him back for an earlier appearance.