Coach Didier Deschamps announced that Kylian Mbappe had been excluded from the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
Despite returning from a thigh injury to play in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League defeat at Lille, Mbappe will miss France’s fixtures against Israel and Belgium to focus on his recovery.
Deschamps explained his decision: “I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a minor issue. To avoid any risks, he will not be part of the squad.”
France’s match against Israel is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, in Budapest, relocated from Israel due to security concerns in the Middle East. The team will then face Belgium in Brussels on Monday, October 14.
Currently, France holds three points in Group A2 of the Nations League, trailing Italy, which leads with six points.
This roster announcement is the first since Antoine Griezmann, the vice-captain, retired from international play. Reflecting on Griezmann’s departure, Deschamps remarked, “He had such an impact that we can’t play the same way. While I am not planning to change our system, I won’t seek a direct replacement.”
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku also rejoins the national team, having last played in June of the previous year. Meanwhile, midfielder N’Golo Kante was also omitted from the lineup.
