Mbappé Dropped From France Squad, Deschamps Explains Omission from as a “One-Off” Thing
France manager Didier Deschamps has clarified his choice to leave star forward and captain Kylian Mbappe out of the French squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy, calling it a “one-off” decision.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward, who was also left out in October to manage his return from an injury, was expected to be back for selection this month. However, Deschamps announced on Thursday that Mbappe would not be joining the team for the two crucial matches.
“I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only,” Deschamps explained. “Kylian wanted to come,” he added, emphasizing that Mbappe was eager to join his national teammates despite the temporary exclusion.
Since moving to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer, Mbappe has experienced mixed form. He has scored eight goals in 15 appearances but has struggled in recent weeks, finding the net only once in his past five games.
This dip in form comes as Real Madrid also face challenges; after winning both La Liga and the Champions League last season, they recently suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to archrivals Barcelona and currently trail the league leaders by nine points.
Mbappe, who famously helped France secure the World Cup in 2018, has been a crucial figure for the national team, scoring 48 goals in 86 appearances. His absence will likely be felt, although Deschamps insists the decision is specific to this month’s games.