Kylian Mbappe responds to Paris criticism with update on knee injury

Kylian Mbappe has addressed the controversy surrounding his trip to Paris by sharing an update on his recovery from the knee injury he suffered while playing for France.

The Real Madrid forward was injured during the match against Turkey after suffering an overextension to the back of his left knee. He subsequently returned to Madrid to begin a treatment and rehabilitation programme.

However, Mbappe’s visit to Paris with his partner, Esther Exposito, caused frustration among some Real Madrid supporters. The France international was seen at a nightclub with Exposito, prompting questions over why he was not at the club’s Valdebebas training centre during his recovery.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid had given Mbappe permission to travel and he continued carrying out his rehabilitation programme while in the French capital. The episode nevertheless remained the subject of debate among the club’s supporters.

As criticism grew, Mbappe posted photographs on his social media accounts showing him working on his recovery. The images showed the forward running on a treadmill and using an exercise bike, suggesting that his rehabilitation is progressing.

Mbappe could be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on 10 October. However, his involvement has not yet been confirmed, and his return could instead be delayed until the Champions League fixture against Roma on 14 October.