Kylian Mbappé is available for France’s Nations League match against Turkey on Sunday, Zinedine Zidane confirmed, as he dismissed reports of a strained relationship with his captain.
Speaking in Bordeaux on Saturday, Zidane said the Real Madrid forward could return after missing the 3–1 defeat by Italy with a minor muscular problem.
“There’s no problem. He’ll be with us tomorrow,” Zidane said.
Mbappé had wanted to face Italy, but Zidane chose not to risk him. The France coach declined to say whether
he would use the forward centrally or on the wing against Turkey.
Asked about suggestions of tension between them, Zidane called the reports nonsense and said their relationship was going perfectly well.
He described the speculation as annoying but said he would not be drawn into a debate about it.
France conclude their group campaign at the Matmut Atlantique, where Zidane wants a win following the setback in Milan. He also addressed the defensive problems exposed by Italy, with the squad’s availability still subject to a final training session.
