Sat Oct 05 22:09:37 UTC 2024: ## Mbappe Out of France Squad Despite Injury Recovery

Paris, France – Kylian Mbappe will be absent from the French national team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. This marks the first time the Real Madrid forward has been unavailable for France since September 2021.

Despite returning from a thigh injury this week, France coach Didier Deschamps opted not to include the 25-year-old in the squad. “I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a problem which is not serious. I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad,” Deschamps explained to reporters.

The decision comes after Mbappe appeared as a substitute in Real Madrid’s surprise 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday. He had previously missed their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid due to the injury.

Mbappe’s absence adds to the growing list of players unavailable for Les Bleus. Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from international football on Monday, leaving a significant void in the team. “He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way,” Deschamps acknowledged.

France will face Israel on Thursday, 10 October in Budapest, and Belgium in Brussels on Monday, 14 October. They currently sit second in Group 2 of League A with three points, trailing Italy who have six points.

The team will look to Christopher Nkunku, returning after a year-long absence, to fill the void left by Mbappe and Griezmann. Other notable players included in the squad are Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ousmane Dembele.

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