Blow for France! Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe ruled out of crucial Italy clash as Zinedine Zidane refuses to take risks
Paraguay v France: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Getty Images Sport France have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their pivotal UEFA Nations League encounter against Italy, with captain Kylian Mbappe officially ruled out of the trip to Milan.
- The forward missed training on Wednesday, prompting manager Zinedine Zidane to officially rule him out of the highly anticipated contest against Italy.
- "Besides, there's the Champions League coming up for Real Madrid, so it's better if he doesn't play tomorrow." However, the Azzurri manager was quick to acknowledge the depth of talent at Zidane's disposal.
- Mbappe sidelined for Milan trip The Real Madrid talisman will play no part in Thursday's Nations League fixture following a hamstring complaint.
He is not happy, and he wanted to play tomorrow, but we should not take the risk, because the season is still long." Mancini jokes about Madrid star's absence Italy boss Roberto Mancini reacted to the news with good humour, playfully suggesting that the forward should focus on his club commitments.
- Following the Italy clash, Zidane's men will return home to face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, a fixture Mbappe is expected to be available for.
- Les Bleus target Nations League progression France currently sit at the summit of their Nations League group and will secure a quarter-final berth in March with a victory at San Siro.
- Zidane prioritises long-term fitness Addressing the media ahead of the match, Zidane explained the reasoning behind omitting his star attacker.
- The reshuffle sees Mayulu join another 20-year-old call-up in Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, who stepped in for Inter striker Marcus Thuram after he suffered his own hamstring injury.
- "Joking aside, France has so many forwards, each one better than the next, that it's hard to choose between them," Mancini concluded.
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