Didier Deschamps drops 3 superstars from France squad including Kylian Mbappe ahead of international break
France manager Didier Deschamps has left Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot and N'Golo Kante out of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games. Les Bleus will face Israel and Belgian during the international break.
Mbappe picked up an injury in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Alaves last weekend. While he was initially expected to be sidelined for three weeks, the Frenchman returned to action in midweek against Lille.
Kylian Mbappe started the game from the bench and even came on after the break. Unfortunately, he failed to have an impact as Los Blancos lost 1-0.
Speaking to the press, Deschamps insisted that he doesn't want to take any risks with the 25-year-old.
"I spoke with Kylian, he has a problem which isn't serious but it requires care so that he recovers well. I'm not here to take risks," said Deschamps (via SPORTbible).
Deschamps also omitted Kante and Rabiot from his squad while Antoine Griezmann is no longer available after retiring. Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Bradley Barcola have made the cut.
Kylian Mbappe arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid had been hot on his heels for a while and failed to prise him away from the Parc des Princes on two previous occasions.
The Ligue 1 giants were keen to keep the Frenchman at the club but he had his heart set on joining Los Blancos. Mbappe registered 256 goals and 108 assists from 308 games during his time with PSG.
How has Kylian Mbappe fared at Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappe enjoyed an explosive start to life with Real Madrid, scoring on his debut in the 2-0 win over against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. The French superstar has had to alter his game since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, largely due to the presence of Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian operates on the left-forward role preferred by Mbappe, who has been carrying out a more central role. Despite having to adjust to Carlo Ancelotti's tactics, the player has done quite well so far.
The Frenchman has registered seven goals and one assist from ten games across competitions. He has registered three dribbles and 5.6 shots per game in La Liga.
Despite initial concerns, the Frenchman has also struck up a fine partnership with Vinicius. Los Blancos will certainly be pleased by Deschamps' decision as it will help in Mbappe's recovery.