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

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has strongly defended Kylian Mbappe against criticism regarding his recovery from a left knee injury, calling the accusations ridiculous. Mbappe faced fan scrutiny after traveling to France and Switzerland for rehabilitation and being photographed outside a Paris venue and riding a bicycle. Speaking ahead of Saturday's LaLiga match against Villarreal, Mourinho confirmed that the French forward had not violated any club recovery protocols.

Mourinho clarified that Mbappe completed necessary medical scans in Madrid before seeing a trusted specialist abroad. He also dismissed controversy over the photos, explaining the Paris venue hosted a private Fashion Week event and the bicycle was simply hotel transport.