Kylian Mbappe has been kept out of France’s UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, with coach Didier Deschamps saying the Real Madrid star’s absence is “for the best.” It is the second time in a row that the France captain has been absent from the squad, having missed the October double-header against Israel and Belgium.
“I spoke with him, and I decided on this meeting because I believe it is for the best,” Deschamps told reporters at a press conference in Paris. Mbappe, 25, was sidelined for last month’s matches to allow him to recover from a minor thigh injury acquired while playing for Real Madrid.However, when he returned to duty for Real Madrid a few days later, before France had even played, it sparked outrage.
Mbappe missed France’s 4-1 victory over Israel in Budapest and their 2-1 victory over Belgium, instead traveling to Stockholm for a short break with members of his entourage. Following the trip, Swedish media stated that he was under investigation for an alleged rape. Mbappe himself called the reports “fake news,” and his lawyer indicated the player would sue for libel.
A Swedish prosecutor stated that an investigation had been launched, but did not name Mbappe. “I’m not going to lay out my reasoning, but I can state two things. The first thing was Kylian wished to come,” Deschamps explained.
“The second point is that it is not for dealing with the off-field problems because the belief of innocence exists.” Since last month’s drama, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain, which forward has made four appearances for his team and scored one. However, he is still short of his blazing best form.
“I don’t want to say anything more about it. “I stand by your decision,” Deschamps said. France is second is Group A2 in the African Nations League of Legends, one point behind hosts Europe, ahead of their remaining two games.
Next Thursday, November 14, they will host Israel at the Stade de France before facing Italy three days later in Milan.
Germany is five points ahead of Belgium in the third position, and the top two teams are heading to the quarter-finals, which will be performed over two legs next March. The semi-finals and final will take place next June.
N’Golo Kante, a veteran midfielder from Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, and Adrien Rabiot of Marseille have returned to the squad. Meanwhile, highly rated Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been called up for the first time, replacing Alphonse Areola of West Ham United in the team.