Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images

Why is Kylian Mbappe Not Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 1:03 PM ET

The FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Spanish Super Cup Final is getting closer, and the biggest news regarding the matchup is the availability of Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid thought the French star would not be part of the Real Madrid squad for the Spanish Super Cup Final against Barcelona after Mbappe missed the semifinal against Atletico Madrid earlier this week.

Mbappe trained with the team ahead of this match against FC Barcelona and is part of the squad despite not playing in Real Madrid's last two matches.

Mbappe will not start the match as Xabi Alonso decided to play Gonzalo Garcia with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the attack.

Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France during the Real Madrid training ahead to the Spanish Super Cup final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Why is Kylian Mbappe Benched?

Many reports ahead of El Clásico this Sunday suggested that Kylian Mbappe has recovered enough to be part of the squad but is still not 100% fit.

Reports in France suggested that Mbappe did not want to risk an injury by starting the match, and Xabi Alonso is also cautious in deciding whether to start the player or not.

Mbappe is expected to get minutes against Barcelona in the second half, depending on how the matchup plays out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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