Real Madrid coach Mourinho hits back at Mbappe critics over injury recovery

The Real Madrid manager defended Kylian Mbappe’s decision to recover abroad from a knee injury and dismissed suggestions that the French forward had ignored club instructions.

Updated : Oct 09, 2026 17:25 IST , CHENNAI - 3 MINS READ

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho defended Kylian Mbappe against criticism over the French forward’s recovery from a knee injury. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has strongly defended Kylian Mbappe amid criticism surrounding the French forward’s recovery from a knee injury, describing the accusations against him as “ridiculous”.

Mbappe, who sustained a left knee injury while representing France against Turkey in the Nations League, has faced questions over his decision to spend part of his rehabilitation in France and Switzerland rather than Madrid.

The 27-year-old was also photographed outside a Paris venue and riding a bicycle in Switzerland, prompting further scrutiny from supporters.

The images sparked controversy as Mourinho had recently advised his players against activities such as skiing and cycling to minimise the risk of injury.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga home fixture against Villarreal on Saturday, Mourinho rejected suggestions that Mbappe had disregarded the club’s recovery protocols.

“Are these criticisms over the top? They are ridiculous,” Mourinho told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese manager explained that Mbappe had undergone the necessary medical examinations in Madrid before travelling to France to consult a specialist familiar with his previous knee problems.

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“All the players who were obliged to be present every day for their recovery were here,” he said.

“Mbappe came, like the others, to undergo scans in order to be diagnosed.”

Mourinho also addressed the photographs that had fuelled speculation about the forward’s activities away from Spain.

He clarified that the venue in Paris had hosted a private Fashion Week event rather than a regular nightclub gathering.

Regarding the bicycle photograph, the 63-year-old said Mbappe had merely used a bicycle provided by his Swiss hotel, where guests could travel between accommodation units and communal facilities.

The Madrid coach mocked suggestions that such an activity represented a serious breach of recovery guidelines, comparing the reaction to accusations that Mbappe had been competing in the Tour of Switzerland.

With Real Madrid trailing rival Barcelona by six points in the league standings, Mourinho also played down concerns that Mbappe could face a hostile reception from the home crowd against Villarreal.

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He insisted that the France captain had fulfilled his responsibilities towards the club throughout his rehabilitation.

The latest controversy follows criticism directed at Mbappe last month by Ultras Sur, a far-right-linked supporters’ group banned from the Santiago Bernabeu.

The group objected after Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate partially rolled up T-shirts bearing the message “We are all Ceutans” before a Real Madrid match.

The gesture had been intended to express solidarity with residents of Ceuta, Spain’s North African exclave bordering Morocco, amid an ongoing migration crisis.