France’s head coach Didier Deschamps has left Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe out of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy. This announcement, made on Thursday, marks Mbappe’s fourth consecutive absence from the national team lineup, raising questions and fueling speculation about the star’s form and fitness.
Deschamps described the decision as a “one-off,” sparking further intrigue about the motives behind leaving one of the world’s top players on the sidelines. “Kylian wanted to come,” the coach emphasized, while declining to confirm if the player is battling an injury. Mbappe played for Real Madrid in their Champions League loss to AC Milan earlier this week, but his struggles to adapt to La Liga and maintain top form have been evident since his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
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The 25-year-old Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer amid massive fanfare, already missed two critical France games last month against Israel and Belgium. His prolonged absence now raises concerns for Les Bleus supporters and fuels speculation about Mbappe’s ongoing struggles in Spain.
“I’ve had discussions with him,” Deschamps stated during a press conference. “It’s a decision I took for this block of matches only. Kylian wanted to be here, but this is what’s best for the team right now.”
France, currently trailing Italy by one point in Group A2, face Israel at the Stade de France next Thursday before traveling to take on Italy on November 17. Fans and analysts alike are now left wondering: Will France’s decision to sideline Mbappe impact their Nations League campaign?
