Courtois Nears El Clásico Return as Real Madrid Grapples With Mbappé and Militão Injury Crisis

Real Madrid welcomes back Thibaut Courtois for El Clásico, but Mbappé’s hamstring injury and Militão’s surgery leave the squad depleted for the May 10 clash.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 8:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

A Timely Boost in Goal Ahead of the Season’s Biggest Stage

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid is preparing to reintegrate Thibaut Courtois into the starting XI just in time for the crucial showdown against Barcelona on May 10. The Belgian goalkeeper has entered the final stages of his rehabilitation following a right thigh muscle injury sustained during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City in mid-March. His return is viewed as a stabilizing force for a defensive unit that has appeared increasingly vulnerable during his absence, where the team managed only two victories in their last seven competitive outings.

Mbappé’s Participation in Doubt After Muscle Tear

The celebratory news of Courtois’ return is overshadowed by the confirmed hamstring injury to Kylian Mbappé. The French forward was forced off during a recent 1-1 draw against Real Betis after experiencing sharp discomfort in his left leg. Clinical tests carried out on Monday confirmed an injury to the semitendinosus muscle, placing his participation in El Clásico under significant doubt. While Mbappé is reportedly determined to feature at the Spotify Camp Nou, medical staff have warned that a premature return could jeopardize his fitness for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in June.

The Long Road to Recovery for Éder Militão

In a further blow to the backline, Éder Militão has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the World Cup after undergoing surgery in Finland this week. The Brazilian defender suffered a severe tear in the biceps femoris of his left leg during a match against Alavés. Opting for a procedure led by world-renowned specialist Dr. Lasse Lempainen, Militão has chosen surgical intervention over conservative treatment to minimize the risk of future relapses. The recovery period is expected to last approximately five months, leaving a "bare bones" defensive rotation for the final five matches of the domestic campaign.