Sat Oct 05 21:49:11 UTC 2024: ## Mbappe Rested for Nations League, Griezmann Retires from International Football
**Budapest, Hungary** – France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that star forward Kylian Mbappe will miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium. The decision comes as Mbappe continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Lille.
“I had an exchange with Kylian,” Deschamps said. “He has a problem which is not serious. I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad.”
The absence of Mbappe adds to France’s woes as they are also without veteran forward Antoine Griezmann, who announced his retirement from international football earlier this week. Griezmann was a key player for France, amassing 137 caps over a successful era for the national side.
“He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way,” Deschamps acknowledged. “I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player.”
Despite the absences, France will be looking to build on their three-point haul from their first two group games. Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has been recalled to the squad, but notable absentees include N’Golo Kante.
France will face Israel on October 10 in Budapest, before traveling to Brussels for their clash against Belgium on October 14.
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