Kylian Mbappé Returns to Real Madrid’s Squad Amid Criticism
Kylian Mbappé returns to the Real Madrid squad after missing El Clásico and becoming the center of a major internal controversy.
Kylian Mbappé returns at Real Madrid’s most difficult moment
The return of Kylian Mbappé to the Real Madrid squad comes with enormous pressure surrounding it. After missing El Clásico against FC Barcelona, the French forward is back in the team amid criticism, internal rumors and an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere around his figure.
What initially looked like a simple muscular issue quickly turned into one of the biggest controversies of Real Madrid’s season finale. According to reports from The Athletic and several Spanish outlets, there is growing disappointment inside the club over how the situation involving the French superstar was handled before the clash against Barcelona.
Mbappé had partially returned to training during that week, but doubts about his availability never disappeared. While some reports claimed he suffered another physical setback during the final training session, other versions suggested the player was unhappy after learning he could start the match on the bench.
The situation became even more controversial when Mbappé posted content on social media during El Clásico itself, a gesture that, according to sources close to the club, was not well received inside the dressing room.
The Italy trip and the rumors that angered Madrid fans
The tension surrounding Mbappé intensified even further after images and videos surfaced showing the player on a private trip to Italy during his recovery period.
On social media, a large portion of the fanbase reacted angrily toward the French star, questioning his commitment to the club during one of the most delicate moments of the season. Many supporters expected the face of the new project to be fully focused on helping the team after the European elimination and the defeat in El Clásico.
The trip only fueled the growing perception that there is a disconnect between Mbappé and the Madrid environment. Criticism escalated quickly, with several Spanish sports shows debating whether the Frenchman has truly embraced the leadership role expected from him since his arrival.
The reality is that expectations around Mbappé have always been enormous. Every gesture, absence and decision immediately becomes headline news. And when collective results fail to deliver, pressure on the team’s biggest star multiplies instantly.
Despite all the noise, the striker’s numbers remain elite. Mbappé has recorded 41 goals and six assists in 41 matches this season across all competitions, statistics that continue to prove his importance on the pitch.
Arbeloa recovers Mbappé and Carvajal for the Oviedo clash
Amid all the media chaos, Álvaro Arbeloa decided to include Mbappé in the squad for the match against Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Madrid coach also welcomed back Dani Carvajal, who has recovered from a fracture in the fifth toe of his right foot. Although Carvajal’s return is positive news for the team, all eyes remain fixed on the French forward and how he responds after such a difficult few weeks.
Arbeloa continues to deal with a heavily depleted squad. Players such as Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Andriy Lunin and Dean Huijsen remain unavailable.
Mbappé now has the chance to change the atmosphere at the Bernabéu
The match against Oviedo will probably not change Real Madrid’s season from a sporting perspective, but for Kylian Mbappé, it could become a defining moment heading into the future.
The defeat against Barcelona left deep scars, and much of the frustration ended up centered around Mbappé’s figure. His absence in that match completely changed the perception surrounding his campaign.
