Injured Kylian Mbappe Out for France’s Nations League Matches, Confirms Coach Deschamps

France will head into the upcoming Nations League matches without their captain Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a thigh injury incurred last month. Further impacting the squad, Antoine Griezmann has retired from international play, leaving a significant gap in the team’s lineup. Coach Didier Deschamps revealed the details during a press conference in Paris, noting the strategic adjustments that might follow due to these changes.

Deschamps shared his conversation with Mbappe, explaining that while the injury wasn’t severe, he opted not to risk aggravating it by including him in the upcoming games. The coach expressed the significant impact of Griezmann’s departure, acknowledging the need to adapt the team’s playstyle in his absence.

The French team is scheduled to face Israel in Budapest on October 10, a venue change prompted by security concerns in the Middle East, followed by a match against Belgium in Brussels on October 14. Despite these challenges, France aims to reclaim the Nations League title, having won previously in 2021.

Currently, France is third in Group A2 with three points, trailing Italy, which leads the group with six points.

 

France Squad Announcement

• Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
• Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Manu Kone (Roma), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain
• Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani (all Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

This lineup showcases a blend of veteran talent and emerging stars, poised to compete despite the notable absences.