France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss the national team’s final World Cup qualifier this Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury during their recent victory over Ukraine, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Friday.
Mbappe, 26, had been instrumental in France’s 4-0 win on Thursday, scoring twice in a dominant performance that sealed Les Bleus’ place in next year’s World Cup. However, celebrations quickly shifted to concern when medical staff detected inflammation in his right ankle.
In its statement, the FFF said Mbappe “felt an inflammation in his right ankle that requires tests,” adding that the Real Madrid forward would undergo further examinations in Madrid on Friday. His absence rules him out of Sunday’s Group D match against Azerbaijan in Baku, the final fixture of France’s qualifying campaign.
The injury comes at a delicate moment for both player and country. Mbappe has enjoyed a strong start to life at Real Madrid, and his leadership has been central to France’s near-perfect qualification run. His contributions against Ukraine showcased his continuing importance to Didier Deschamps’ system, blending speed, intelligence, and clinical finishing.
France coach Didier Deschamps now faces the task of reshuffling his squad for the concluding match. The absences do not end with Mbappe: midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also sidelined due to injury, while Manu Kone is suspended. The trio’s unavailability forces Deschamps to rely on squad depth to navigate the trip to Baku.
Despite having already secured qualification, France will seek a positive finish to maintain momentum. The team has looked sharp throughout the campaign, demonstrating both defensive stability and attacking fluidity. However, the loss of Mbappe removes a significant creative and goal-scoring threat.
The match also serves as an opportunity for fringe players to make their case ahead of next year’s World Cup. Deschamps has consistently emphasized competition within the squad, and Sunday’s fixture may allow younger talents to gain valuable minutes on the international stage.
For Mbappe, the immediate priority remains recovery. The FFF has not provided a timeline for his return, though early indications suggest caution rather than alarm. Real Madrid will monitor the situation closely, mindful of the importance of preserving their star forward for a demanding club season.
As France prepares to conclude its campaign without its captain, the focus shifts to maintaining rhythm and avoiding further setbacks. While qualification is assured, Deschamps will expect professionalism and intensity from his side when they take the field in Baku.
Mbappe’s injury may be a temporary hurdle, but France’s long-term ambitions remain firmly intact. The forward’s availability for upcoming international and club fixtures will become clearer following the medical tests in Madrid, but for now, Les Bleus must finish their qualifiers without their talismanic leader.
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