"It's better this way" - Didier Deschamps explains decision to leave Kylian Mbappe out of France squad for upcoming games
France manager Didier Deschamps has justified his decision to leave captain Kylian Mbappe out of Les Bleus' squad for this month's internationals. The Real Madrid ace has been dropped once more from the national team squad, having also missed out last month.
Real Madrid forward Mbappe was missing from the France national team roster for the UEFA Nations League games in October due to a thigh injury, which he recovered from. The 25-year-old was spotted partying in Sweden during the international break, raising questions about his commitment to the national team.
Didier Deschamps has chosen, once more, to exclude Kylian Mbappe from the squad to face Italy and Israel in their final group games of the Nations League this month. The manager informed the press that he reached the decision to drop the forward after holding talks with him despite his willingness to join the team. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"I had discussions with Kylian and made my decision. It’s better this way. Mbappé wanted to come with us, it’s not because of any other problem.”
Kylian Mbappe has not enjoyed the best of starts to life as a Real Madrid player despite contributing eight goals and two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man set an unwanted record in his side's El Clasico defeat to Barcelona last month after being caught offside eight times. He also failed to have an impact in the defeat to AC Milan on Tuesday (November 5).
Deschamps has chosen to go with Chelsea man Christopher Nkunku, who had Mbappe's number ten shirt last month, once more. Mbappe will hope to get a chance to add to his 86 caps and 48 goals for Les Blues in the next international break in 2025.
Kylian Mbappe, two other Real Madrid stars missing from France squad
Kylian Mbappe and two of his Real Madrid teammates have been dropped from this month's squad for France to take on Italy and Israel. Les Bleus are hoping to finish their UEFA Nations League group phase with a flourish as they hope to reclaim the title they won in 2021.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and left-back Ferland Mendy have both been left out by Didier Deschamps for Les Bleus' games this month. Tchouameni misses out due to an injury picked up in the game against AC Milan on Tuesday while Mendy has been overlooked.
Eduardo Camavinga is the only Real Madrid player on the roster, with the youngster having been named as part of the midfielders to prosecute the games. Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti will be pleased to have his players at the club during the break as they look to bounce back from a disappointing run of form.