Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s star forward, has been left out of the French national squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy. France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, announced the decision on Thursday, describing it as a “one-off” choice rather than due to injury concerns. He clarified that Mbappé “wanted to come” but would sit out these games following discussions between the player and coach.
Mbappé, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, has struggled to find his top form and missed France’s matches last month against Israel and Belgium. Deschamps emphasized that this was a strategic decision limited to this “block of matches” only.
France, currently second in Group A2 and trailing Italy by just one point, will face Israel at the Stade de France next Thursday and then travel to play Italy on November 17.
