Kylian Mbappé will miss France’s Nations League match against Italy after reporting muscular discomfort, Zinedine Zidane confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
The Real Madrid forward wanted to play at San Siro, but France have decided not to risk him. Zidane said Mbappé had felt some pain and explained that the coaching staff would take a cautious approach to his fitness.
Mbappé will remain with the national squad, with Zidane hoping to have him available for Sunday’s match against
Turkey. That remains a possibility at this stage, not a confirmed return date.
The France coach said his captain was disappointed to miss the Italy game, having wanted to take part, but otherwise appeared well. His continued presence with the squad leaves open the prospect of playing later in the international break.
Zidane also pointed to the demands of the club schedule, with league and Champions League matches adding to players’ workload. For now, France will prepare to face Italy without their captain.
