Madrid Back Mbappé Amid Scrutiny Over Injury Recovery And Travel

‎Kylian Mbappé’s entourage has rejected criticism of the player’s conduct during his injury recovery, describing the claims as an “overinterpretation.”

‎They insisted that his rehabilitation schedule had been “strictly supervised by the club” throughout the process.

‎Mbappé has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis on April 24. Some supporters expressed frustration after he was photographed on holiday in Paris and Sardinia. While still unavailable for selection.

‎The forward returned to Madrid on Sunday evening, coinciding with his teammates’ 2-0 victory over Espanyol. That result kept the LaLiga title race alive for at least another week.

‎Mbappé has since resumed work at the Valdebebas training ground as he continues his recovery.

‎After growing criticism in the Madrid media, Mbappé’s representatives provided a statement to the news agency AFP on Tuesday.

‎”Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club. And does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team,” the statement said.

‎Coach Álvaro Arbeloa also defended Mbappé’s conduct when questioned on Sunday.

‎”All the planning regarding the injured players is supervised by Real Madrid medical staff,” Arbeloa said.

‎”They control when the players have to be at Valdebebas. In their free time, the players can do as they see fit … I don’t doubt the commitment of any of my players.”

‎Kylian’s contribution this season

‎Kylian remains LaLiga’s leading scorer with 24 goals, along with 15 in the Champions League. But he is nearing the end of his second straight season without a major trophy since joining Real Madrid in 2024.

‎Madrid’s campaign has been turbulent, highlighted by the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso in January. He was replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa, who has struggled to revive the team’s form.

‎Madrid sits second in LaLiga, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona with four matches remaining. They must defeat Barça in Sunday’s Clásico to prevent their rivals from clinching the title early.

‎Arbeloa said on Sunday that Mbappé’s fitness would be evaluated before the trip to Camp Nou.

‎Initial medical tests, however, indicated the forward could be out for longer.