Real Madrid: Mbappé's early return no longer eases criticism

In the Valdebebas training centre, Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid forward, resumed his individual work on Monday, a day before the scheduled date, despite his knee injury suffered with the France national team. He hopes to be available as early as Saturday for the match against Villarreal.

An early return to training

Kylian Mbappé could hardly do more on the immediate sporting front, but he still resumed his individual training on Monday. He arrived at Valdebebas a day before the originally planned date, thereby respecting the recovery programme set up with the France national team. His stated goal remains to be available on Saturday to face Villarreal.

Criticism that persists

According to L’Équipe, the distrust surrounding the Frenchman continues to grow within Real Madrid. His night out at a Parisian nightclub followed by a bike ride in Switzerland, posted on his social media, have fueled criticism despite his convalescence. A portion of the Madrid press and supporters mainly reproach the image conveyed by those clips.

Even inside the club, Mbappé’s communication management is causing irritation. The paradox is that, even by returning earlier than expected, it is no longer enough to ease the tensions.

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Sportingly, the Frenchman has solid arguments: before his injury, he had scored seven goals in seven La Liga matchdays. Real Madrid, for its part, sits in fourth place and is six points behind Barça.

In this context, every move by the player is scrutinised with heightened severity. His possible return against Villarreal could provide the best answer: a decisive impact on the pitch.

Mbappé therefore followed the protocol, accelerated his return to Valdebebas and even anticipated his integration into training. In Madrid, however, this effort is no longer enough to make the criticism that goes beyond simple physical availability disappear.

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The debate around his behaviour illustrates the growing pressure on international stars within European clubs. His next match against Villarreal will therefore be watched as a test of his ability to meet expectations beyond the medical side.