Kylian Mbappe Excluded from France Squad Amid Injury Concerns

Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium despite returning from injury. The Real Madrid forward, who suffered a thigh injury missed the recent 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid but made a brief appearance in a surprising 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League.

France head coach Didier Deschamps explained his decision, stating, “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.” Another significant absence from the squad is Antoine Griezmann, who announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33 after earning 137 caps.

Deschamps acknowledged Griezmann’s impact on the team, saying, “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, who last played for the national team in June last year returns to the squad while N’Golo Kante misses out.

France will face Israel on October 10 in Budapest due to security concerns in the Middle East and will play Belgium in Brussels on October 14. Currently, France is second in Group 2 of League A with three points after two matches trailing Italy, who lead the group with six points.

The squad includes goalkeepers Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan and Brice Samba alongside defenders like Wesley Fofana and Theo Hernandez, and midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. The forward line features players such as Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram and the returning Nkunku.