Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has strongly defended star striker Kylian Mbappe against what he described as "ridiculous" criticism regarding the player's recovery from a knee injury. Mbappe has faced scrutiny for spending time recovering in France and Switzerland rather than solely in Madrid after suffering a hyperextended left knee on September 25.

The French captain's recovery methods drew particular attention after he was photographed at a Parisian nightclub and seen riding a bicycle in Switzerland. Some fans interpreted these actions as a deliberate slight against Mourinho, who had previously advised players to avoid activities like skiing and cycling to prevent injuries.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Mourinho dismissed the criticisms as "ridiculous." He explained that all players undergoing recovery were supported by the club, and Mbappe had undergone necessary scans in Madrid. The coach highlighted that Mbappe sought specialist treatment in France due to a pre-existing knee condition that the club could not overlook.

Mourinho, who has never shied away from controversy, addressed specific criticisms. He clarified that the "discotheque" appearance was for a private Fashion Week event, not a typical nightclub. Regarding the bicycle incident in Switzerland, he explained it was within a hotel complex where guests use bicycles to travel between communal areas, refuting any notion of competitive cycling.

The 63-year-old Portuguese coach stated that football-related issues were not enough for some critics, leading them to focus on Mbappe's personal activities. He emphasized that Mbappe had fulfilled his obligations to Real Madrid and expressed certainty in the player's commitment.

Moses added that players who are injured but still require club presence for recovery were indeed present. He specifically mentioned Mbappe’s case, stating he came for scans and diagnosis before seeking specialist advice abroad due to his history of knee issues.

Moses also addressed the club's recent performance, noting that Real Madrid trails Barcelona by six points in La Liga. He seemed to suggest that the focus on Mbappe's recovery methods was a distraction from more significant football matters.

Moses' defense comes as Mbappe, who returned to training on Wednesday, is potentially available to play as early as Saturday against Villarreal. Mourinho shrugged off concerns about a potentially hostile reception for Mbappe, reiterating his confidence in the striker's commitment to the club.