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Ernest Victor
Guest
France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, has explained why he omitted Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe from the national squad amidst speculation about pressure from his Spanish club.
Kylian Mbappe was not included in Les Bleus’s squad for the latest UEFA Nations League fixtures, prompting criticism in his home country. This decision came after the 22-year-old played in the 2-0 win over Villarreal, despite reportedly nursing an injury.
Deschamps clarified that the choice to exclude Mbappe was solely his own, dismissing any influence from external parties.
Addressing reporters ahead of the game against Israel, Deschamps emphasized Mbappe’s lack of fitness during the Villarreal match, saying, “There was no request. The decision is mine. He played the Villarreal game without being 100 per cent fit.”
Note that Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid during the 2024 summer transfer window. Since then, the France international has scored 7 goals and provided one assist in 11 appearances in all competitions.
Mbappe helped France’s national team to reach the semi-final stage of the Euro 2024, where they lost 2-1 to Spain, the eventual winner of the tournament.
Unfortunately for him, he would not be available for France when the country takes on Israel at 7:45 p.m. later today, October 11. He won’t also be available for the Nations League game against Belgium on Monday.
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