France’s preparations for their UEFA Nations League meeting with Italy have been unsettled by uncertainty surrounding captain Kylian Mbappe, whose absence from Wednesday’s team training has raised questions about his availability for the crucial encounter.
The Real Madrid forward remained under treatment at the French camp, with the national team’s coaching staff declining to provide further details about his physical condition.
His absence comes at a delicate point in France’s campaign, with the team preparing for Thursday’s meeting with Italy in Milan before facing Türkiye on Sunday in Bordeaux.
The development is particularly significant for coach Zinedine Zidane, who is counting on his captain as France seek to maintain their strong position in Group A1 and secure qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Mbappe returned to the national team for the current international window after missing France’s previous three matches because of injury.
The 27-year-old had picked up a problem with his left knee during France’s September meeting with Türkiye. He scored the winning goal in Zidane’s first match in charge but was forced to leave the pitch shortly afterwards after experiencing pain.
His return to the squad had raised expectations that he would strengthen France’s attacking options for the closing fixtures of the group stage.
However, Wednesday’s development has left the coaching staff with another fitness issue to assess before deciding on their plans for the Italy match.
France have already recorded three victories and one draw from their opening four matches, collecting 10 points to lead Group A1.
That position gives them a strong chance of progressing to the next stage, but the meeting with Italy remains an important test as the group campaign approaches its conclusion.
Mbappe’s importance to the team goes beyond his goalscoring record. As captain and one of France’s most influential players, his presence provides experience and attacking leadership in major fixtures.
The French technical crew will therefore be keen to establish whether his absence from the group session was part of a precautionary treatment programme or an indication of a problem that could prevent him from featuring against Italy.
For now, the national team has not announced that Mbappe has been ruled out of the match.
His condition is expected to remain a major talking point as France complete preparations for the encounter, with supporters waiting for a clearer indication of whether their captain will be available.