Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have moved to quell criticism of the Real Madrid striker and highlighted his “commitment and daily work for the team”.

The France international is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Real Betis on April 24 and fighting to be fit for Sunday’s El Clasico clash with arch rivals Barcelona at Camp Nou.

But rather than stay in Madrid and focus on his recovery, Mbappe was pictured over the weekend relaxing on a yacht off the coast of Sardinia with his girlfriend Ester Exposito.

Critics have suggested that, given his influence over the team, the 27-year-old should have accompanied the team for the 2-0 win at Espanyol on Sunday that just about kept their slim La Liga title hopes alive.

Madrid head back to Catalonia this weekend to face a Barca side that can clinch the title with a draw.

It remains to be seen if Mbappe will play but his representatives defended him today with a statement that read: “A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team.”

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