Kylian Mbappe ruled out of France’s Nations League clash with Italy

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Italy because of injury.

France face Italy in the fifth round of Group A fixtures, with Mbappe unavailable after experiencing pain. The Real Madrid forward had been expected to be involved in the match.

“Kylian will miss tomorrow’s match against Italy,” Zidane said at his pre-match news conference. “He felt some pain and, as we always do, we will not take risks with any player, whether it is Kylian or anyone else.”

Zidane said Mbappe’s absence was disappointing but hoped the injury would not keep him out for long.

“Losing players is unfortunate, but it is part of football,” he added. “I hope the news is not bad and that we can see him on Sunday against Turkey.”

Mbappe also missed the previous international break after suffering an injury against Turkey in the opening round. He was substituted in the 56th minute before leaving the France camp.

France lead Group A, which also contains Italy, Turkey and Belgium, with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

Thursday’s match is the latest meeting between the two sides in the competition, with France aiming to maintain their position at the top of the group despite Mbappe’s absence.