Kylian Mbappe has been left out of France’s latest international squad, marking the second consecutive camp the 24-year-old has missed.
Kylian Mbappe Left Out of France Squad For Second Consecutive Camp
Kylian Mbappe will miss France’s upcoming international fixtures against Israel and Italy after being omitted by Didier Deschamps.
It marks the second consecutive camp the 2018 World Cup winner has been left out of, which has pricked the ears of the Les Bleus fanbase and beyond.
It comes after a rocky start to life in Madrid which has seen him shoehorned into a leading striker role, rather than deployed in his natural, and arguably more effective role as a left-sided forward – a position locked down by Vinicius Jr.
Suggestions have even been made that Mbappe’s arrival in Madrid has unsettled a delicate ecosystem that was already brimming with egos last season.
Last month, Mbappe’s compatriot Thierry Henry even went as far as suggesting PSG are more stable without the club’s all-time top scorer.
Why Was Kylian Mbappe Left Out?
Didier Deschamps has been quick to contextualise Mbappe’s second straight omission, and has sought to stamp out any rumours.
“I had several exchanges with him. I thought about it and made this decision about this gathering. I think it’s better like this. I’m not going to argue,” Deschamps told the media.
“What I can tell you, two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it is not the extra-sporting problems that come into play from the moment the presumption of innocence exists.
🚨🇫🇷 Deschamps on Mbappé not part of France squad for next games: “I had discussions with Kylian and made my decision. It’s better this way…”.
“Mbappé wanted to come with us, it’s not because of any other problem”. pic.twitter.com/TgBz8pnSWE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2024
“It’s a one-off choice for this gathering with the two matches awaiting us.
“It’s my decision, it’s better that way. I can understand that this is not enough for you, but I am not going to get into an argument that leads to interpretations. I don’t want to tell you more, I take responsibility for this decision.”
Interestingly, Jose Luis Sanchez from El Chiringuito TV, has suggested that it was actually Mbappe’s decision to skip the latest international break
Sanchez claims he personally informed Deschamps that he would use the break to focus on regaining the elite form we have come accustomed to in recent seasons.
Unfortunately for Mbappe, his arrival in Madrid has aligned with Los Blancos’ alarming dip in form, with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona already opening up a nine-point gap at La Liga’s summit.
