Kylian Mbappe has once again been dropped from the France squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches vs Israel and Italy. The star striker missed Les Bleus’ previous international fixtures due to a thigh injury. However, the 25-year-old’s exclusion from the squad came as a snub because this time he is not injured.
According to reports, the Real Madrid star actually refused to be called-up and he expressed his desire to stay in Spain and not join his national team. The reports further said that Mbappe doesn’t want to be part of France anymore, at least as long as Didier Deschamps is in charge of the team.
Addressing a press conference, Deschamps said, “I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only. Kylian wanted to come.”
Mbappe and Deschamps have reportedly fallen out over his ongoing underwhelming form. The coach is apparently not happy with Mbappe’s approach with the national team.
The ace footballer who joined Real Madid after much hype has been in poor form since joining Los Bancos and drew severe flak at their 0-4 defeat to Barcelona last month and also their 1-3 loss to AC Milan.
Mbappe has scored eight goals in 15 appearances for the Spanish club, but has only netted once in his past five games.
Kylian Mbappe down, but not out
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is “down” but is determined to come through a difficult period, says manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“Mbappe is down like everyone else, but motivated to get through this moment,” Real boss Ancelotti told a news conference.
“The problem he’s having is everyone’s problem. You could point at Vinicius [Junior], Rodrygo or [Jude] Bellingham. It is a difficult moment for everyone.”
The Italian said Mbappe was “training well” and was “convinced” his form would improve if the he remained upbeat.
“We haven’t hit our stride yet. You can’t let your head drop, you have to hold it high,” said Ancelotti.
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Kylian Mbappe made his debut for France in 2017, earning 86 caps and scoring 48 goals. He is the third man in the nation’s all-time top scorers list.
The young talent won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the French national team and then scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final- where France eventually lost out to Argentina in the final.
