France manager Didier Deschamps has made the surprise decision to leave Kylian Mbappé out of his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, prioritizing the star forward’s recovery from a thigh injury.
Mbappé suffered the setback during Real Madrid‘s 3-2 LaLiga victory over Alavés on September 24, initially facing a three-week layoff.
However, the 24-year-old made a quicker-than-expected return, coming off the bench in Real Madrid’s shocking 1-0 Champions League defeat to Lille on Wednesday.
Despite his swift recovery, Deschamps has opted to grant Mbappé additional time to regain full fitness, allowing him to remain in Madrid and focus on his rehabilitation.
This decision ensures the French captain is fully prepared for the team’s future challenges.
France will face Israel on October [date] and Belgium on October [date] in the Nations League, with Deschamps’ squad announcement coming soon.
Deschamps said in a news conference after the squad announcement.
✓ FIFA Unveils Interim Transfer Rules For 2025 Club World Cup
“I spoke with Kylian about the situation, which is still uncertain after coming on as a substitute on Wednesday.
“He has a match on Saturday and there are questions.”
“He has a problem which is not serious but he needs treatment to recover properly.
I am not here to take risks. That is why Kylian is not here.”
Didier Deschamps expressed concerns about Kylian Mbappé‘s mental state during the September international break, following France’s disappointing loss to Italy and unconvincing win over Belgium.
“I have no doubt about Kylian’s commitment but he was not in the best condition during the last gathering.”
Didier Deschamps has announced his first France squad since Antoine Griezmann‘s shocking retirement from international duty, ending an illustrious 137-cap career.
To compensate for the void left by Griezmann’s departure and Kylian Mbappé‘s injury-induced absence,
Deschamps has turned to Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola.
Notably, this marks the first France squad since November 2013 to exclude both Mbappé and Griezmann.
In that 3-0 win over Ukraine, which secured Les Bleus’ spot in the 2014 World Cup, Mbappé was just 14 years old.
“It is strange not to see him,” Deschamps said of Griezmann.
“I can only thank him for everything he has done and brought to the French team.
“He’s not ending his career either. He’s a very good example to follow for young people.
It wasn’t easy for him in his career, including with France.
He was always generous. He was a leader on the field, in his own way, and he was versatile.”
Deschamps’ revamped lineup will face Israel and Belgium in the upcoming Nations League fixtures, as France embarks on a new era without the influential Griezmann.
