Kylian Mbappé responded to a new wave of criticism in Spain, insisting on Tuesday that he remains committed to recovering from his latest injury.
Real Madrid’s French international forward is sidelined with a left hamstring problem and his availability for Sunday’s Clasico in Barcelona, Spain’s biggest game, is in doubt.
Mbappe reportedly traveled to Italy with actress Esther Exposito over the weekend, prompting criticism in Spanish media that he is not taking his rehabilitation seriously. Madrid fans were also left wondering why the league’s best striker was taking time off ahead of Clasico.
Mbappe denied any wrongdoing in a statement from his representative sent to The Associated Press.
“Some of the criticism is based on a stretched interpretation of factors related to the recovery period, which will be strictly supervised by the club, rather than reflecting the reality of Kylian’s dedication and the effort he puts in every day for the team,” the statement read.
Disgruntled Real Madrid supporters believe Mbappe is saving himself ahead of the World Cup, which starts in five weeks.
He also drew criticism for not playing due to a knee problem earlier this season.
Madrid have little to play towards the end of the season. They have been eliminated from the Champions League and Copa del Rey, and are effectively out of La Liga with an 11-point lead over Barcelona with four matches remaining. Barcelona could win on Sunday.
Madrid have not yet confirmed whether Mbappé is fit enough to play in the Clasico. According to Spanish media, Mbappe traveled to a training center in Madrid on holiday to continue his recovery.
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AP Sports Writer Tails Azzoni in Madrid contributed.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
