Real Madrid will be without star forward Kylian Mbappe for tonight’s crucial El Clasico showdown against FC Barcelona.
The French superstar was not included in Real Madrid’s official matchday squad despite returning to training with teammates on Friday after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mbappe’s absence comes as a huge blow for Los Blancos ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season, with Barcelona knowing a victory would secure the La Liga title.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa instead selected Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Brahim Diaz and highly rated youngster Franco Mastantuono among his attacking options for the clash.
The decision to leave Mbappe out suggests Real Madrid are unwilling to risk aggravating the forward’s injury with only a few matches remaining this season.
The development adds to what has already been a chaotic week for the Spanish giants following reports of a heated training ground altercation involving midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The pair were reportedly involved in a physical clash during training, with Valverde later requiring hospital treatment for a head injury. Both players were subsequently fined by the club.
Despite the controversy, Arbeloa publicly defended his squad and urged the players to continue fighting for the badge during the tense closing stages of the campaign.
Barcelona enter the match in strong form under Hansi Flick and know that avoiding defeat would move them a major step closer to securing the league crown.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are desperate to keep their slim title hopes alive after enduring an inconsistent season filled with injuries, dressing room tensions and disappointing performances.
Elsewhere across European football, Manchester City continued applying pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal after defeating Brentford 3-0, while Liverpool were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Anfield.
In Scotland, the Old Firm rivalry takes centre stage as Celtic FC prepare to host Rangers FC in a massive Scottish Premiership clash with both teams chasing leaders Heart of Midlothian FC.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the Czech Republic after the derby between SK Slavia Prague and AC Sparta Prague was abandoned following a late pitch invasion by home supporters.
Fans stormed the field as Slavia Prague closed in on the league title, forcing police intervention after flares were thrown and security barriers breached.
