Mbappé too: As many as eight Real Madrid stars will miss the Clásico

FBL-ESP-LIGA-REAL MADRID-PRESSER

Without superstar Kylian Mbappé and seven other players, Real Madrid must fight for their last chance at the title in El Clásico against league leaders FC Barcelona.

Despite recently returning to first-team training after a thigh injury, the Frenchman has not been included in the squad for Sunday evening's crucial match (9.00 pm) by national team player Antonio Rüdiger.

Mbappé, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Arda Güler and Fede Valverde are all absent from the Real Madrid squad. Valverde had recently made headlines after an altercation with Aurélien Tchouameni left him with a laceration and a diagnosed traumatic brain injury, requiring a hospital visit.

Both players were subsequently fined €500,000 each. 

Real Madrid CF v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports

Real Madrid: Arbeloa set to leave – is Mourinho on his way?

Tensions have been mounting at Real for weeks, reaching a flashpoint in the recent row between Valverde and Tchouameni. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa is reported to have lost much of the dressing-room's backing, and could be sacked after a second successive trophy-less campaign; José Mourinho is mooted as his potential successor.

Madrid can only keep their slim title hopes alive with a win against their arch-rivals. Ahead of the fourth-last game of the season against the side managed by German Barça coach Hansi Flick, Real trail the Catalans by eleven points.