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The atmosphere at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex has been tense after a series of disappointing results. Adding fuel to the fire are recent controversies surrounding striker Kylian Mbappe, who is recovering from injury and racing against time to be fit for the El Clásico on May 11.

Following a knee injury that drew much criticism for Real Madrid’s medical staff in late 2025 and early 2026, Mbappe is now experiencing a muscle injury. Since it is only minor, some of his teammates are confused by his frequent travel outside of Spain during the recovery.

His earlier trip to Paris, accompanied by two club physiotherapists, was supported by the locker room. However, in recent days, some members of the dressing room have begun to question how the 27-year-old star is handling his recovery process.

Having assured everyone that he would do “everything possible” to be available for the El Clásico against Barcelona, Mbappe has nonetheless been spotted traveling in Italy with his girlfriend Ester Exposito.

Although the team was given a few days off after the draw against Betis in Sevilla and free to travel during this personal time, The World suggests that “gestures mean a lot” at such a sensitive moment, and “not everyone approves of such trips.”

Problems have been plaguing the Valdebebas for weeks, after Real Madrid were eliminated from the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and fell behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

If Real Madrid lose to Espanyol, Barcelona will be crowned champions ahead of the El Clásico and might even receive a guard of honor from their biggest rivals at Camp Nou.

Other issues are also causing internal friction at Real Madrid. A major flashpoint involves the group of Spanish players in the squad, including Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras, and Gonzalo Garcia. They used to be key to the smooth functioning of the locker room, but after the departures of Nacho, Joselu, and Lucas Vázquez in the last two years, their influence has significantly diminished.

Some sources within this group suggest that Real Madrid manager Arbeloa prioritizes defending and praising stars such as Mbappe and Vinicius Junior over youth academy graduates in press conferences.

Arbeloa has clashed with several players this season. Raul Asencio was dropped from the squad after what Arbeloa interpreted as a rude response. Ceballos was also temporarily excluded from the matchday squad following a conflict with Arbeloa. Meanwhile, Carreras was repeatedly left out of the squad due to what the manager considered a bad attitude.

Another notable case is Dani Carvajal, who has a fractured little toe on his right foot and may have only one game left at the Bernabeu, against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga’s final matchweek. The veteran right-back is likely to leave Real Madrid after this season as his contract will not be renewed. The 1992-born defender has won 27 titles with the club, just short of Luka Modric’s 28-title record.

However, Carvajal’s final days at the Bernabeu have not been going well. He is disappointed by the few playing opportunities given by Arbeloa in the second half of the season, which could hurt his chances of going to the World Cup with Spain.

These conflicts arose at the same time that Arbeloa began giving more opportunities to academy youngsters. This did not sit well with some of the squad, especially amid rumors that Real Madrid were ready to put some big names, including Eduardo Camavinga, on the transfer list.

There have been direct confrontations between Real Madrid stars in the dressing room, with tensions extending beyond the pitch. The current atmosphere is the complete opposite of the “healthiest locker room in the world” described by former manager Carlo Ancelotti in his second stint at the club.