Kylian Mbappe has responded to the controversy surrounding his trip to Paris by sharing an update on his recovery from a knee injury sustained while playing for France.
The Real Madrid forward was injured during the match against Turkey, suffering an overextension to the back of his left knee. He subsequently returned to Madrid to begin a programme of treatment and rehabilitation.
However, Mbappe’s journey to Paris with his partner, Ester Exposito, prompted criticism from some Real Madrid supporters. The France international was seen at a nightclub with Exposito, leading fans to question why he was not at the club’s Valdebebas training centre while recovering from the injury.
Real Madrid said Mbappe had been given permission to travel and had continued following his rehabilitation programme while in the French capital, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. The explanation did not prevent the debate from continuing among sections of the club’s support.
As criticism grew, Mbappe posted images on his social media accounts showing him taking part in rehabilitation exercises. The photographs showed him running on a treadmill and using an exercise bike, indicating that he had made progress in his recovery.
The forward could be fit to return against Villarreal on 10 October at Santiago Bernabeu, although a final decision on his involvement has not yet been made. His comeback could instead be delayed until Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Roma on 14 October.
The timing of his return will depend on how he responds to the next stages of his rehabilitation, with the club yet to confirm whether he will be available for the Villarreal fixture.
