Mbappe left out of France squad

By Reuters
November 08, 2024
Paris Saint-Germains Kylian Mbappe looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Metz at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. — AFP/File
Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Metz at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. — AFP/File

PARIS: France have left Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe out of their squad to face Israel and Italy in this month’s two Nations League games, coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday as his captain’s absence now stretches to four matches.

Deschamps did not say whether Mbappe, who played for Real in their Champions League home defeat by AC Milan on Tuesday, was injured, arguing his choice was a “one-off decision” and that the player “wanted to come” and join the team.

The 25-year-old Mbappe, who has been struggling for form after joining Real from Paris St Germain in the close season, missed two France games last month, against Israel and Belgium.