- Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been left out of France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games
- The 25-year-old has been a pale shadow of his former brilliant best since moving to Madrid in the summer
- Following his omission from the French national team, Didier Deschamps has explained his captain’s conspicuous absence
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Kylian Mbappe will be absent from France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, following a rocky start to his first season at Real Madrid in 2024/25.
The star forward, whose high-profile move to Madrid was filled with promise, has encountered a challenging adjustment to Carlo Ancelotti’s system.
Source: UGC
Mbappe’s Real Madrid struggles
Despite posing respectable statistics, per Transfermarkt, Mbappe has struggled to meet the elevated expectations that come with wearing the famous white jersey.
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His struggles mirror Madrid’s own early-season difficulties, with Los Blancos currently trailing behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga and facing setbacks in the Champions League league stage.
Mbappe axed by France
As the international break approaches, many expected the 25-year-old to rejoin Les Bleus after missing October’s fixtures due to a reported minor injury.
However, France manager Didier Deschamps made the surprising decision to leave his captain out of the squad for this month’s Nations League clashes.
Why did France drop Mbappe?
Addressing the decision, Deschamps provided some insight into his rationale:
“I had discussions with Kylian and made my decision. It’s better this way,” he shared during the squad announcement, quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
The coach clarified any speculation, adding, “Mbappe wanted to come with us; it’s not because of any other problem.”
What’s next for France and Mbappe?
According to 90Min, France, set to face Israel and Italy on November 14 and 16, respectively, will look to continue its strong Nations League form.
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As for Mbappe, his exclusion offers him a window to recalibrate at Madrid, where he faces mounting pressure to adapt and deliver.
Benzema explains Mbappe’s struggles
In a related report, TUKO.co.ke shared Karim Benzema’s views on Kylian Mbappe’s position at Real Madrid, hinting that the French forward might not be best utilized as a “number 9.”
Mbappe joined Madrid on a much-anticipated free transfer from PSG last summer, carrying significant expectations based on his stellar performances with the Parisian club and the French national team.
Fans slam Mbappe
In an earlier report, TUKO.co.ke noted that Kylian Mbappe had faced sharp criticism from fans after Real Madrid’s unexpected loss to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Known for his usual brilliance, Mbappe has recently struggled with composure, frequently getting caught offside and missing rhythm in key moments.
This apparent dip in form has frustrated fans and analysts, sparking questions about his role within the squad.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: YEN.com.gh
