Overview
- Medical tests after he came off against Real Betis in late April confirmed a lesion in his left hamstring, leaving his status for Barcelona uncertain.
- During his recovery he traveled to Sardinia with actress Ester Expósito and photos of the trip triggered fan anger, including a viral “Mbappé out” image and an online petition reported by multiple outlets.
- Following Sunday’s win over Espanyol, coach Álvaro Arbeloa said players can use their free time and stressed sweat-and-effort values, remarks widely read in Spain as a veiled criticism.
- On Tuesday, Mbappé’s entourage told AFP that critics are over-interpreting events from a recovery strictly overseen by Real Madrid’s medical staff.
- Reports describe dressing-room strain and a training-ground flare-up with a coach, and say president Florentino Pérez is displeased, with club doctors to decide any Clásico involvement.