Mbappé Left Out of France's Squad Again

Kylian Mbappé has once again been left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, scheduled for November 14 and 17, respectively. The absence of the Real Madrid forward was the big surprise in Deschamps' list on Thursday, after Mbappé previously missed the October break due to muscle discomfort, following a prior agreement with Deschamps.

The French coach acknowledged on Thursday that Mbappé wanted to be called up for the matches against Israel and Italy, but Deschamps revealed he had 'a conversation with him' and considers leaving him out of the squad 'is the best decision.' According to Deschamps, his absence 'is not related to off-field issues,' after Mbappé traveled to Sweden during the previous break and was accused of alleged rape. 'There is a presumption of innocence,' the French coach concluded.

This time, Mbappé was in perfect physical condition to represent his country, having played the full Champions League match against Milan, making it a technical decision that has nonetheless caused a stir in France. 'It's a specific choice for this match with the two games ahead of us,' Deschamps assured.

'We may not agree on everything. These are discussions I can have with the players. I'm not here for the players to tell me I'm the best and the most handsome. I listen to them. I've always been inspired by these discussions, whether individual or collective, protecting all the players. That's why I can have many discussions that may go beyond the field, because they know very well who has spoken if something comes out. These exchanges are important to me. With the advantage of hindsight, calmness, and the greatest possible clarity, I make the decisions that seem best to me,' the French coach insisted.

Without Mbappé, without Griezmann, who announced his retirement from the national team in October, and without the injured Tchouaméni, Deschamps will only have two players from La Liga for the upcoming Nations League matches, Real Madrid's Camavinga and Barcelona's Koundé.