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The spotlight remains fixed on Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, even in his absence from the French national team.
The 25-year-old was left out of the Les Bleus squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures by manager Didier Deschamps, sparking all sorts of speculations as to why the forward, who is the captain of the national team, was not selected.
Deschamps had already explained that leaving Mbappe out of the roster at this point was the best decision for the team and the player himself, especially with a member of the forward’s entourage recently revealing that the attacker is going through some mental issues.
Now, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, ahead of France’s crucial UEFA Nations League match against Israel in Paris, Deschamps once faced questions about his decision to omit the Real Madrid forward from his squad.
After initially making light of the expected inquiry, Deschamps firmly addressed the matter.
“Listen, I told you what I told you,” he stated. “You are free to speak, and interpret that. I have a game tomorrow. There are 23 players here. Kylian is not here – please leave him alone.”
Mbappe, who missed the previous international gathering due to a minor thigh injury, is currently experiencing a dip in form following his summer transfer to Real Madrid from PSG.
The French superstar’s struggles with the adaptation to Carlo Ancelotti’s system have coincided with the Spanish giants’ difficult period, with criticism directed at him as a result.
Meanwhile, Mbappe has also not scored for France since June, leaving his national team tally at 48 goals.
Source: ESPN
