France will take on Italy in a crucial UEFA Nations League fixture without captain Kylian Mbappe, after the star forward was ruled out with a hamstring problem.
The injury comes as a setback for the French side ahead of Thursday’s clash in Milan, where victory could strengthen their hold on top spot in Group A1 and move them closer to securing a place in the quarter-finals.
France coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Mbappe would not feature against Italy, explaining that the team was unwilling to take risks with its captain’s fitness. The coach described the issue as minor and expressed hope that the striker could return in time for Sunday’s match against Turkey.
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For France supporters, the news is particularly disappointing because Mbappe had only recently returned to the national team setup after missing the country’s previous matches through injury.
The Real Madrid forward has been in excellent form this season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions for his club. His absence removes one of France’s most dangerous attacking threats at a time when every point matters in the race for qualification.
The 27-year-old also played a decisive role earlier in the Nations League campaign, scoring the winning goal in Zidane’s first match as France coach against Turkey. However, he was forced off shortly afterwards after experiencing pain, continuing a difficult spell with injuries.
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France’s medical and coaching staff appear determined to prioritise the player’s long-term fitness over a rushed return. With a demanding club and international schedule ahead, the decision reflects growing caution around player welfare during a packed football calendar.
Despite Mbappe’s absence, France remain in a strong position in the group after recording three wins and one draw from four matches. A positive result against Italy would bring them a step closer to the knockout stage of the competition.
Attention will now turn to whether the French captain can recover in time for the encounter with Turkey, while fans and teammates await further updates on the extent of the injury. For now, France must navigate one of their biggest matches of the campaign without their talisman leading the attack.
