Kylian Mbappe has surprisingly been left out of France’s national team squad for the upcoming October international fixtures, even though he’s fit for action. This comes shortly after his return to the field in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Lille.
Mbappe had been recovering from a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s La Liga win over Alaves but made a swift return to play. Many expected him to be called up for France’s UEFA Nations League matches in October, but he was unexpectedly excluded.
This marks the first time since his 2017 debut that Mbappe has been left out of the squad while fully fit. France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, explained that although Mbappe is mostly recovered, there’s still a slight concern about his condition. Deschamps decided it was better to allow him more time to rest and fully recover rather than risk further injury.
In Mbappe’s absence, the squad for October features some big names, including Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. France’s defense will be bolstered by the likes of Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. The attack will be led by Paris Saint-Germain stars Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Here’s France’s full squad for the October international break:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Manu Kone (Roma), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani (all PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, France will look to perform well even without Mbappe leading the charge.
