Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is reportedly using the international break to focus on regaining his best shape, but recent images have raised questions about his commitment.
The France captain sustained a thigh injury two weeks ago but made a brief return to action off the bench against Lille and Villarreal. He was subsequently left out of the France squad for their Nations League matches against Israel, which Les Bleus won 4-1 on Thursday night, and Belgium on Monday. While Mbappé is said to be undergoing a mini-preseason to return to peak form after a solid yet unremarkable start at Real Madrid, a Swedish newspaper, *Aftonbladet*, has published photos of him enjoying himself in Stockholm while his teammates played.
The report states that Mbappé was seen at the restaurant Chez Jolie before heading to the exclusive club V in the Stureplan area in a black van. Dressed in a black jacket, hat, and mask—presumably to conceal his identity—he was recognized by some patrons before making his way to a private room within the club.
Mbappé has seldom faced scrutiny regarding his professionalism, and if he has time off, he is entitled to enjoy it as he wishes. However, there may be discontent in France over his decision to skip international duty to prioritize his club form while seemingly not taking the opportunity to rest during his time off.
