Real Madrid's hopes for a pivotal El Clásico victory have taken a major hit, as superstar forward Kylian Mbappe is now considered a serious doubt for the showdown against Barcelona on May 10. The French megastar has been sidelined since late April after sustaining a left thigh injury during a match against Real Betis, and recent reports suggest his recovery timeline may not align with the season's most important fixture.

According to French outlet Le Parisien, Mbappe's return is now expected around mid-May, leaving little room for him to feature in the El Clásico. Instead, the focus appears to be on the bigger picture: ensuring he reaches peak fitness for the international tournament with France, scheduled for June and July. There is no rush to accelerate his comeback at the club level, which means Real Madrid may have to face their arch-rivals without their most influential player.

This development deals a significant blow to Madrid's title race aspirations. The El Clásico was seen as a potential turning point in the season, with both teams battling for supremacy at the top of the table. Without Mbappe's explosive pace and goal-scoring ability, the dynamics of the match change dramatically. The team will need to rely on other key players to step up in his absence.

Meanwhile, Mbappe has been spotted in Italy during his recovery, with videos circulating online showing him leaving a restaurant in Cagliari. The footage has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some questioning the timing of the trip while he's sidelined. However, the priority remains his long-term health and readiness for the international stage.

What's already confirmed is that Mbappe will miss the upcoming match against Espanyol. With the title race still very much alive, losing such a crucial player at this juncture could prove costly for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Even if he returns shortly after the El Clásico, the timing suggests that Barcelona clash may come too soon for the French superstar.