Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches in November, despite coach Didier Deschamps confirming that the Real Madrid forward expressed a desire to be included.
Deschamps did not clarify whether Mbappe, who featured in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan on Tuesday, is sidelined due to injury.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Didier Deschamps revealed that his decision was a “one-off.”
“It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way,” the coach added.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in July, missed two France matches last month as a precaution due to injury.
French manager Didier Deschamps clarified that the decision was unrelated to recent allegations made by a Swedish newspaper.
The report claimed Kylian Mbappe had taken a trip to Sweden during the previous international break, a claim the player himself dismissed as “fake news,” with his representatives calling it “totally false and irresponsible.”
“I’m not going to argue,” Deschamps said.
“What I can tell you are these two things; one, that Kylian wanted to come.
“And two, it’s not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist.
“It’s a one-off choice for this gathering.”
Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals in 15 appearances for his new club, but has found the back of the net just once in his last six games, sparking growing scrutiny over his form.
The 25-year-old forward has struggled to make an impact in key fixtures, with Vinicius Jr. being preferred in Mbappe’s usual position on the left side of the attack.
Real Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona last month and now find themselves trailing their rivals by nine points in La Liga.
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