Kylian Mbappe Left Out of France Squad Amid Injury Concerns

Kylian Mbappe has been excluded from the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, despite recently recovering from an injury. The Real Madrid forward missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid due to a thigh injury but made a brief return in Real Madrid’s surprising 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Although Mbappe’s injury was not deemed serious, France head coach Didier Deschamps decided not to include the 25-year-old for the matches against Israel and Belgium. Deschamps explained his reasoning during a press conference in Paris: “I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a problem which is not serious. I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad.”

Since joining Real Madrid in the summer, Kylian Mbappe has made an impressive start, scoring seven goals in ten appearances. However, his absence from the national team is a significant decision, given the importance of France’s Nations League campaign.

Another notable absence from the squad is Antoine Griezmann, who announced his retirement from international football on Monday. Griezmann retired at the age of 33, after earning 137 caps for Les Bleus. Deschamps spoke about the impact of Griezmann’s retirement, stating, “He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way. I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player.”

Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku has been recalled to the France squad, having last played for his country in June last year. Nkunku’s return adds depth to France’s forward line. Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante, who is recovering from an injury, was not selected for the squad.

The upcoming matches see France facing Israel and Belgium. The match against Israel will be played on Thursday, 10 October in Budapest due to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East. Following this, France will face Belgium in Brussels on Monday, 14 October.

France is currently positioned second in Group 2 of League A in the Nations League, with three points from their first two matches, while Italy leads the group with six points. Didier Deschamps will be keen to ensure his side remains in contention for the top spot.