MADRID – Kylian Mbappé has addressed growing criticism surrounding his dedication to Real Madrid while sidelined with a hamstring injury. The French forward, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg, faced a wave of backlash from supporters and Spanish media following reports of a brief trip to Italy during his recovery period.
The controversy emerged as the club prepares for a crucial El Clásico against Barcelona. Critics questioned the timing of the player’s travel, suggesting it indicated a lack of professional focus during a vital stage of the season. In response to these reports, the player’s representatives emphasized that his recovery program is strictly managed and supervised by the Real Madrid medical staff. They clarified that any external activities during scheduled time off do not impact his daily commitment to the team’s rehabilitation protocols.
While Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa maintained a neutral stance, noting that players are free to manage their personal time as long as they adhere to club guidelines, the incident has highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding Mbappé’s first season in the Spanish capital. The striker remains a doubt for the upcoming match against Barcelona, with medical staff continuing to monitor his progress on a day-to-day basis.
