Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has fired back at critics questioning his dedication to his injury recovery, insisting he remains wholly committed to returning to peak fitness. The Los Blancos striker is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is a doubt for a crunch showdown with Barcelona this weekend.
Hansi Flick’s side are currently 11 points clear of their fierce rivals in second place, and avoiding defeat would hand Barca the title at the Nou Camp on Sunday night. It has been a turbulent campaign for Madrid, who are teetering on the brink of finishing the season empty-handed.
Mbappe has been one of the standout performers for Real this season, yet has drawn fierce criticism from sections of the Spanish media after reportedly travelling to Italy with actress Ester Exposito last weekend while sidelined. Madrid supporters questioned why Mbappe was ‘on holiday’ ahead of the Clasico this weekend, with doubts raised over ‘the seriousness of his rehabilitation.’
Nevertheless, in a statement issued to The Associated Press, Mbappe firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. “Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team,” the statement read.
Some Real supporters hold the belief that Mbappe is deliberately limiting himself in order to remain fit for the World Cup with France this summer. With just five weeks until the tournament gets under way in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Real have precious little to play for between now and the close of the season.
Barcelona are aware they could clinch the title this weekend, while Madrid have remained tight-lipped over Mbappe’s fitness ahead of the fixture. Despite the mounting criticism, sections of the Spanish press claim Mbappe made a voluntary visit to the Madrid training ground on his day off in a bid to be ready for this weekend’s clash.
On Sunday, Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: “Each player, in their free time, does what they consider appropriate; that is not my concern.
“We have not built Real Madrid with players who play in tuxedos, but with players who finish the match with their shirts full of sweat and mud, based on effort, sacrifice, and perseverance,” he said before adding that “no player is bigger than Real Madrid.”