Mbappe to miss France’s Nations League games for rest and recovery

France captain Kylian Mbappe will sit out the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, as announced by coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday. The Real Madrid star, recently recovering from a thigh injury, returned as a substitute in a surprise 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League. However, Deschamps has opted to rest the 25-year-old forward to aid his recovery.

“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,” Deschamps said in Paris.

France will face Israel in a relocated match in Budapest on October 10 due to security concerns in the Middle East. They then play Belgium in Brussels on October 14.

Thursday’s squad announcement follows vice-captain Antoine Griezmann’s retirement earlier this week. Deschamps acknowledged Griezmann’s influence, saying, “He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way.”

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku returns to the squad, while midfielder N’Golo Kante is also absent. France currently sit second in Group A2 with three points, trailing Italy, who lead with six.

(Source: AFP)