Zidane says Mbappe will miss France’s Italy match but insists forward remains committed

Kylian Mbappe will miss France’s Nations League meeting with Italy on Thursday after reporting a minor thigh problem, head coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed.

The Real Madrid forward did not take part in France’s final team training session on Wednesday and instead received treatment, 24 hours before the Group A match in Milan.

“Mbappe will miss tomorrow’s match,” Zidane told reporters, as quoted by French outlet RMC. “He felt some slight pain and, as usual, we do not want to take any risks. These things are unfortunate but part of football, and I hope he will be with us on Sunday against Turkey.”

French reports say Mbappe has discomfort in his hamstring. His absence comes amid claims, notably from L’Equipe, that his relationship with Zidane is not as settled as the one he previously had with former France manager Didier Deschamps.

The reported tension dates back to Zidane’s first camp in charge, when he used Mbappe on the left wing and played Ousmane Dembele as a central striker. That decision was interpreted as a change to Mbappe’s role in the attack, particularly because the Real Madrid forward has recently preferred playing as a number nine.

Asked about Mbappe’s state of mind, Zidane said: “I find him in good condition. The proof is that he is still with us. He is not happy and he wanted to play tomorrow, but we must not take risks because the season is still long.”

France are already without Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram, who Zidane had previously confirmed were unavailable.

“I choose the players and sometimes things happen that we cannot control,” Zidane said. “November, with league matches and Champions League games, is a period we have to accept. It is unfortunate and, for a manager, it is terrible, but we have no choice.”

Mayulu call-up and midfield plans

Zidane explained the decision to call up Senny Mayulu, saying: “I like everything about him, his technique and what he provides. Naturally, he is a player on the list. We try to do things logically. We are not only looking for Under-21 players; we have a squad, and when there are absentees, we call up replacements.”

He said France still had enough quality to perform well despite the absences. “We will look for balance so the team is in the best possible condition,” he said. “We have players capable of producing a good match. When we have no choice, we put the players in and try to win.”

Zidane added that Diouf plays in a different position for his club and France, but “can play on the left”. He wants to use Warren Zaire-Emery in midfield, despite his versatility.

“At right-back we are fine with Malo Gusto and Sail Kumbedi,” he said. “My aim with Warren is to see him in midfield.”

On Kroupi’s possible involvement, Zidane said: “We will see whether he starts. He is with us and the idea is for him to be part of the group. We know what he has been through, but today he is ready. We will handle his situation carefully, but we know his ability.”

Zidane declined to comment on French judoka Teddy Riner’s candidacy for the presidency of France, saying he wished him “good luck” with what he wanted to do.

The France manager also reflected on his time at Juventus and the influence of former coach Marcello Lippi. “He taught me that you always have to move forward,” Zidane said. “When I arrived in Turin, I was not playing well and the press and supporters did not think I was at the required level. Lippi told me I had to play with him, and I stood by my position.”

Asked whether he could manage Juventus one day, Zidane replied: “Why not, perhaps in the future.”

He said Italian football had taught him about tactics, recalling how he and Lippi spent 30 minutes working on them every day. “It was sometimes frustrating for a player like me who wanted to play football,” he said. “But I was lucky to have that experience because they were masters of tactics. He gave me confidence and I tried to repay him on the pitch.”