Kylian Mbappe absent from France training as Italy Nations League test approaches

Kylian Mbappe’s availability for France’s Nations League meeting with Italy is uncertain after the captain missed Wednesday’s team training session.

The Real Madrid forward did not take part in the group workout before France travelled to Milan for Thursday’s Group A, League A fixture. Instead, Mbappe continued his treatment, increasing doubts over whether he will be fit to play.

French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Mbappe’s situation remains unclear, with no official confirmation that he has suffered a new injury. His involvement against Italy is therefore expected to depend on how he responds to further assessment over the coming hours.

France are already without Pierre Kalulu, Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram, who have withdrawn from the squad. The coaching staff are consequently expected to take a cautious approach with Mbappe and avoid risking him unless he is considered fully fit.

The uncertainty comes during a difficult period surrounding the national team. Reports have indicated tension between Mbappe and head coach Zinedine Zidane, including disagreements over the forward’s position and a reduction in communication between the pair in recent weeks.

Zidane will be hoping to recover his captain, who remains one of France’s most important attacking players. A final decision on Mbappe’s participation is expected after his condition has been reviewed before the match.

France have made a strong start to the current Nations League campaign and lead Group A, League A with 10 points from their opening four matches. They have won three games and drawn one, remaining unbeaten.

Mbappe scored the only goal in France’s opening 1-0 victory over Turkey, which marked Zidane’s first match in charge. He then missed the next three fixtures against Belgium, Italy and Belgium after suffering a hamstring injury during the Turkey match.

The forward scored in the 54th minute against Turkey but later experienced the problem. Zidane decided not to take any risks, removing him from the squad and allowing him to return to Madrid for treatment.

France subsequently beat Belgium 1-0, drew 1-1 with Italy and ended their first four matches with a 4-1 win over Belgium.

Zidane replaced Didier Deschamps after France’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, when Deschamps announced he would leave his position. The former Real Madrid manager signed a four-year contract to lead the national team, with hopes that he can guide France back to major honours.

Although results have been positive under Zidane, Mbappe’s absence from much of the first camp, followed by questions over his role and relationship with the coach, has created an important test for the manager. His captain’s status will be closely watched as France attempt to maintain their unbeaten start against Italy.