France have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Italy as captain Kylian Mbappe is out injured. France coach Zinedine Zidane announced the forward would miss Thursday’s game at the San Siro in Milan on Wednesday (Nov 11).
The Real Madrid superstar will miss another big international game as France attempt to move into pole position in Group A1 but Zidane is still hoping Mbappe can recover in time for the team’s final group stage match against Turkey on Sunday.
Zidane Confirms Mbappe's Absence Against Italy
Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Milan, Zidane said Mbappe would not play against Italy because he was feeling unwell.
The France captain missed Wednesday’s training session but was instead treated by the medical staff.
Zidane said the decision was made as a precaution because the coaching staff didn’t want to risk worsening the problem.
The French manager said the problem was not serious and hoped Mbappe would be fit for Sunday’s game.
The 27-year-old was reportedly desperate to play for his country against Italy.
Hamstring Discomfort Forces Another International Absence
Mbappe’s latest fitness problem comes on top of his recent injury issues with the national team.
The forward had already missed France’s last three games after suffering a knee problem in the Nations League clash against Turkey on September 25.
He returned to the national set-up for the November international break but has now missed another big game.
The Real Madrid forward had hamstring problems according to French sports newspaper L’Équipe so the coaching staff were keeping an eye on him.
France will be hoping the injury does not develop into a more serious problem as an important part of the club season is about to start.
France Face Italy Without Their Captain
France play Italy in a Group A1 clash on Thursday 12 November at the San Siro in Milan.
Zidane has got France off to a good start in their Nations League campaign so far with 10 points from their four games.
Italy are also in the running for a place in the quarter-finals and will want to make use of playing at home.
Without Mbappe France don’t have their main attacking threat so Zidane has to look elsewhere up front.
France still have attacking quality but replacing Mbappe’s pace, finishing and ability to create chances will not be easy.
Can Mbappe Return Against Turkey?
Mbappe will miss Italy but Zidane has not ruled him out for France’s next match.
France play Turkey on Sunday 15 November in Bordeaux. The coaching staff will decide whether to let the forward return after assessing his condition.
Zidane has made it clear that the priority is not to take unnecessary risks with the Real Madrid star.
A Setback for France's Nations League Campaign
Mbappe’s injury is a big blow to France as they look to book their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
The team’s other attacking players will have to step up against a competitive Italian side.
For now, France fans will be hoping that their captain recovers soon and is fit to play on Sunday against Turkey.
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