France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter against Italy after experiencing a hamstring problem, national team coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed.
The Real Madrid forward has been ruled out of the Group A1 fixture scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, with France opting against risking his fitness.
Zidane announced Mbappe’s absence during a press conference on Wednesday, explaining that the 27-year-old had complained of slight discomfort.
“He will miss tomorrow. He felt a little pain and, as usual, we will take no risks,” the France manager said.
Zidane expressed hope that the injury would not be serious and that Mbappe could return for France’s final group-stage encounter against Turkey on Sunday in Bordeaux.
The forward had recently returned to the French squad after missing the team’s previous three matches because of a left knee injury sustained while scoring against Turkey on September 25.
His latest setback comes after reports of hamstring discomfort and his absence from France’s final training session ahead of the Italy encounter.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Senny Mayulu has received his first senior national team call-up as a replacement for injured midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
France will enter Thursday’s encounter at the top of Group A1 with 10 points from four matches, while Italy have seven points.
A victory would guarantee France qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, making the meeting an important fixture for both sides.
The two European football giants previously played out a 1-1 draw in Paris during their earlier group-stage meeting.
Mbappe’s absence represents a setback for Zidane, who will have to prepare his attacking options without the team’s captain as France seek to strengthen their position in the competition.
Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of France’s Nations League clash against Italy on November 12 due to a hamstring problem, with Zinedine Zidane hoping for his return against Turkey.