Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe against criticism of his recovery from a knee injury, saying the Real Madrid forward followed the club’s medical advice. Mourinho also confirmed that Mbappe will start against Villarreal.
Mbappe has been at the club's Valdebebas training complex rehabiliatiting a knee injury he sustained while on international duty with France. The forward later sought an external medical consultation in his home country because of his knee history.
Mourinho Defends Mbappe While Discussing Recovery Plan
Mourinho gave an update on Mbappe during his press conference ahead of his side's clash with Villarreal on Saturday. He told reporters: "Mbappé was here, he got his diagnosis, he went to an external consultant, because his knee has a history that you can’t forget, and there was total agreement with Real Madrid’s diagnosis and this external consultant.
The Portuguese coach did not disclose the details of the Frenchman's recovery plan. He said the club's medical team and the external specialist had reached the same diagnosis, adding that the forward had fulfilled his obligations to the club.
Mourinho confirmed that Mbappe would start against Villarreal, insisting the decision reflected his confidence that the forward had acted properly towards Madrid.
“So tomorrow Mbappé will play. He won’t be on the bench, and if he plays, it’s because I’m sure that he hasn’t failed Real Madrid,” Mourinho said.
Why Paris Visit And Cycling Drew Criticism
Mbappe received criticism after being photographed entering a Paris venue while recovering from the injury. Mourinho responded to this:
“[In Paris] it was a club that wasn’t a club… It was a club that had been transformed for a private event,” Mourinho said.
Mbappe also posted footage of himself riding a bicycle in Switzerland. Mourinho added:
“Then in Switzerland, it was just a hotel with little houses, and each house had some bikes to get to where the restaurants and spa were. It was absolute tranquility."
The footage drew attention because Mourinho had previously warned Madrid players against riding bicycles. He said that a fall could leave a player unavailable for matches.
What Mourinho Said About Mbappe Rift Claims
Mourinho described the criticism of Mbappe as “ridiculous” and accused people of “looking for problems”, arguing that football had more important issues to address.
Spanish media reports alleged tension between Mourinho and Mbappe, including claims that the forward had been privately reprimanded. Neither man publicly confirmed those reports.
Mourinho instead defended his player, saying the forward had met his obligations to Madrid.
Mbappe injured his left knee during France’s 1–0 UEFA Nations League win over Turkey on 25 September. He later withdrew from the national team and returned to Real Madrid for treatment.
Madrid are set to host Villarreal at the Bernabéu in La Liga, with the club six points behind leaders Barcelona. Mourinho’s confirmation that Mbappé would start offered reassurance about his availability for the match.
Real Madrid had not publicly disclosed the full extent of his knee injury or a return timeline.
