Kylian Mbappe left out of France Nations League squad by Didier Deschamps despite Real Madrid forward 'wanting to come'
Published 07/11/2024 at 14:47 GMT
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Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has not been named in France's squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy. Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps said that he has made a one-off decision and that the player "wanted to come" and join the team. Mbappe has struggled for form since a summer move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has not been named in France's squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy.
France boss Didier Deschamps did not reveal whether Mbappe was injured, insisting that he had made a one-off decision and that the player "wanted to come" and join the team.
Mbappe is widely regarded among the world’s best players, but has struggled for form since securing a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid this summer.
Deschamps told a press conference: "It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way.
"I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only.
"Kylian wanted to come."
Despite Mbappe scoring eight goals since moving to Madrid, the Spanish giants have lost two successive games, including a 4-0 humbling to rivals Barcelona in El Clasico followed by a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Milan.
Mbappe was named France skipper following the shock retirement of Antoine Griezmann after Les Bleus’ Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain, but has since started just one game - a home defeat to Italy in September.
The 25-year-old took some flak after missing France’s two games in October against Israel and Belgium, despite being available to play for Madrid.
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France play Israel next Thursday at the Stade de France before their trip to face Luciano Spalletti's Azzurri side on 17 November at the San Siro.
Deschamps named Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise and Marcus Thuram as his forwards for the upcoming international break.
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