The countdown to El Clásico is on, and Real Madrid fans are holding their breath. With the La Liga title race hanging by a thread, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé—but his availability for the May 10 showdown against Barcelona is anything but certain.

According to reports from AS, growing doubts surround the French superstar's fitness. Mbappé has been managing a persistent knee issue throughout the season, but recent medical assessments have raised red flags. The feeling inside the club? Making it back in time will be an uphill battle.

To make matters more complicated, Mbappé has found himself in the headlines for reasons beyond the pitch. Images of a short getaway to Cagliari with his partner have circulated widely, and the timing has raised more than a few eyebrows. While the club approved the rest period—intended to help him recover from a grueling campaign—the public nature of the trip hasn't sat well internally, especially with a fixture of this magnitude looming.

Madrid's decision to give him time off was rooted in strategy: let him recharge rather than risk further injury. But the visibility of the break has added unwanted noise when focus and unity should be at their peak. Medical evaluations after the recent clash with Real Betis had already hinted that his chances of featuring in El Clásico were slim, which explains the cautious approach to his recovery.

Beyond the medical room, there's a subtle ripple effect in the dressing room. While the squad is locked in on stopping Barcelona from sealing the title, Mbappé's uncertain status has created a slight disconnect. The team is preparing for one of the biggest matches of the season, yet their key forward remains a question mark—and that uncertainty could prove costly.