PARIS — French football star Kylian Mbappé has been left out of the squad for France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Israel, with coach Didier Deschamps opting to exclude the national captain from the lineup.
The decision comes despite Mbappé being a pivotal figure for Les Bleus, having been named team captain in March 2023 ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The absence of Mbappé, who last featured for France during their 2-0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League in October, has raised questions among fans and pundits alike.
While Deschamps has provided limited explanation for the omission, it is widely speculated that the decision is part of a broader strategy for the French coach, who has often made selective choices with his star players in an effort to manage their workloads and ensure peak fitness for major tournaments.
Mbappé, 25, has been a central figure for France since his debut in 2017, playing a key role in the country’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph and their runner-up finish at Euro 2020.
His performances for Paris Saint-Germain have continued to capture global attention, but the forward has been vocal about his desire for more control over his role within both his club and the national team.
This ongoing saga has put additional focus on his relationship with Deschamps, with tensions occasionally surfacing, especially regarding Mbappé’s future at PSG and the French team.
Despite Mbappé’s absence from the squad, Deschamps has included a host of notable names for the Nations League games.
France will face Italy first, followed by a clash against Israel, and both matches will serve as crucial preparations for the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany.
The exclusion of Mbappé has led to speculation about his fitness, with some reports indicating that the forward may be dealing with minor physical concerns.
However, Deschamps’ choice could also signal a broader tactical shift, as the French coach seeks to experiment with alternative combinations ahead of the continental tournament.
The news of Mbappé’s omission has prompted a range of reactions. While some supporters have expressed disappointment at not seeing their captain play, others understand Deschamps’ need to manage player fatigue and injuries, particularly with the demands of the club season and the looming European Championship.
The question of who will lead France in Mbappé’s absence has also been a point of interest, with players such as Antoine Griezmann and Hugo Lloris potentially stepping up as potential leaders.
As France prepares for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, the situation surrounding Mbappé’s role on the team remains uncertain.
With the Euro 2024 tournament fast approaching, Deschamps will need to make the right decisions to ensure France remains a formidable force on the international stage.
How the national team performs without their star forward could go a long way in shaping the mood around the squad heading into the summer tournament.
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