Coach Didier Deschamps has insisted that Kylian Mbappe exclusion from the France team for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy “is for the best.” After missing the October doubleheader against Belgium and Israel, the captain of the national team is missing from this roster for the second time in a row.
Deschamps told reporters during a news conference in Paris, “I have talked with him and I have made the decision for this get-together because I think it is for the best.”
Mbappe, 25, rested for the games last month to aid in his recuperation from a minor thigh injury he sustained while playing for Real Madrid.
But when he started playing again for Real Madrid a few days later, before France had even played, it soon became a point of contention.
Mbappe missed France’s 2-1 victory in Belgium and their 4-1 victory against Israel in Budapest, opting instead to have a little vacation in Stockholm with his entourage.
Swedish media reported that they were probing his claimed rape after that trip. Mbappe claimed that the claims were “fake news,” but his attorney suggested the player would face libel charges.
A Swedish prosecutor stated that they had launched an inquiry without mentioning Mbappe.
“I can say two things, but I won’t lay out my case here. First, Kylian expressed a desire to attend,” Deschamps continued.
“The second is that it is not to do with the off-field problems because the presumption of innocence exists.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward has made four appearances for his team and scored one goal since the incident last month. He hasn’t yet reached his spectacular peak, though.
“I don’t want to discuss it further. I don’t change my mind,” Deschamps said.
Ahead of their final two games, France is one point behind leaders Italy in Group A2 of the Nations League.
Next Thursday, November 14, they meet Italy in Milan three days after hosting Israel at the Stade de France.
The top two teams advance to the quarterfinals, which they will play over two legs in March of next year, with France leading Belgium by five points in third place.
Next June, the semifinals and championship match will take place.
Along with Adrien Rabiot of Marseille, veteran midfielder N’Golo Kante of Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia is back in the team.
Lille has called up Lucas Chevalier, a highly regarded goalkeeper, for the first time to replace Alphonse Areola of West Ham United.
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