France captain Mbappé misses training before Nations League clash with Italy

Mbappé's status before the Milan match

France captain Kylian Mbappé, 27, did not take part in training on Wednesday, 11 November, and remains "under treatment" before the Nations League fixture against Italy at the San Siro in Milan. The coaching staff gave no further detail about his physical condition. Marca, citing sources inside the federation, reported that the absence was not due to an injury, and Fanpage reports that Mbappé has been doing individual work. Spanish press also said the French federation had denied a possible injury. Mbappé is back in the squad after missing the last three matches through injury, and in September he had to leave the pitch with pain in his left knee shortly after scoring the winning goal against Turkey in Zinedine Zidane's first match as coach.

A strained relationship with Zidane

The French daily L'Équipe describes a relationship between Mbappé and Zidane that is "not so harmonious", a bond still under construction after the close relationship with former coach Didier Deschamps. The paper traces the friction to the September break, when Zidane moved Mbappé to the left flank so that Ousmane Dembélé could operate through the middle. According to the same reporting, the two have barely spoken during the camp, and Zidane wants to repair the relationship. Zidane had already indicated at a press conference that Mbappé would be fielded in his preferred role as a centre forward, but no final decision on the lineup for Milan has been taken.

Tchouaméni leaves the camp

Aurélien Tchouaméni has also left the squad with a right groin problem. The federation said he had felt discomfort since arriving at Clairefontaine on Monday, and that he would travel to Madrid on Wednesday afternoon for medical tests at Real Madrid's facilities. El Mundo reports that the injury is the same one that hampered him at the end of the World Cup and in Real Madrid's preseason. The federation stated that he would not be replaced, and explained the decision in these words:

“Given his medical history and after consulting Real Madrid's doctors, the France coaching staff, in agreement with the player, decided on Tuesday night to return him to his club.”

At Valdebebas, staff reportedly expect that Mbappé will not force a return to fitness, and Real Madrid is keen to avoid risks with both players.

Stakes and schedule

France have three wins and a draw from four matches and top Group A with 10 points, three points more than Italy, with two rounds to go. The Italy match is on Thursday, 12 November, at 19:45 in Milan, and the Turkey match follows on Sunday, 15 November, in Bordeaux. Al Jazeera reports that France are well on course to reach the quarterfinals. SAPO reports that Kumbedi and Kroupi have been called up to the senior squad for the first time, replacing the injured Kalulu and Marcus Thuram. Mbappé has 13 La Liga goals this season, second only to Raphinha of Barcelona.