Kylian Mbappé’s international break ended in Madrid rather than with France, but his return is already gathering speed. The France captain has resumed full training after leaving the national squad with a knee problem and is expected to start for Real Madrid against Villarreal on Saturday.
Quick facts
- Mbappé was injured during France’s first match of the international window.
- He returned early to Madrid for treatment and has since rejoined group training.
- The forward has scored eight goals in eight appearances in all competitions this season.
- Real Madrid are fourth in La Liga, six points behind Barcelona.
- José Mourinho said Mbappé will start against Villarreal rather than sit on the bench.
The French forward has faced scrutiny during his recovery after attending a private Paris Fashion Week event, described in some reports as a nightclub outing. Images of him using a bicycle at a hotel in Switzerland also drew attention.
Mourinho rejected both controversies and said the criticism surrounding his player had become absurd. The Real Madrid coach insisted that the Paris event took place at a venue hired for Fashion Week, rather than during a conventional night out.
He also dismissed the Switzerland episode, explaining that the hotel consisted of separate small buildings and provided bicycles for guests travelling to communal areas. Mourinho said the reaction made it seem as though Mbappé had entered a major cycling race.
The Portuguese coach said injured players follow a defined process during international breaks. In Mbappé’s case, he said the forward was assessed by the club and by an external specialist because of a knee history requiring particular care.
“The assessments matched completely,” Mourinho said. “A recovery plan was then put in place. There was no need for everyone to know its details.”
Mourinho said footballers remain responsible for their conduct away from the pitch, arguing that serious private actions can have consequences. But he also stressed that players should be treated as people capable of making mistakes while being expected to accept responsibility.
“I will always defend a footballer,” he said. “He is a human being, a young man who can make an error but must understand his responsibilities.”
With Real’s position in the table under pressure, Mbappé’s return offers Mourinho a major attacking lift. The 25-year-old has been decisive since arriving in Spain, despite the club’s uneven opening to the domestic campaign.
Mourinho was also asked whether the Bernabéu crowd could whistle Mbappé against Villarreal. He declined to speculate, saying he hoped supporters would judge the situation intelligently rather than follow an agenda built around controversy.
The coach made his position clear on selection. He said any Real Madrid player who failed to meet the club’s standards would not merely be left out of the starting line-up, but would remain at home.
“Mbappé will play,” Mourinho said. “He will not be on the bench. I am certain he has not failed in his obligations to Real Madrid.”
