Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, a move that manager Didier Deschamps describes as a “one-off decision.”
Mbappe recently played the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan on Tuesday, but Deschamps did not indicate whether the forward’s absence was due to injury.
Although he has returned to fitness, Mbappe also missed France’s last two games, leading to questions around his availability.
The 25-year-old has shown inconsistent form recently, scoring only once in his last six games, despite eight goals in 15 appearances since joining Real Madrid.
“I’ve spoken with him, and it’s a decision I made specifically for this round of matches,” Deschamps said in a press conference on Thursday. “Kylian was willing to participate.”
Meanwhile, Lille’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has received his first call-up, taking Alphonse Areola’s place in the squad. Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kante also make their returns, while Aurelien Tchouameni misses out due to injury.
France will first play Israel on November 14, followed by their final Nations League Group A2 match against Italy on November 17.
Full France Squad:
– Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
– Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
– Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
– Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
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