Mbappe ruled out of France’s Nations League meeting with Italy

France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Thursday’s Nations League match against Italy after reporting a hamstring problem in training, coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed.

France travel to Milan aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group A1, but will be without one of their key attacking players.

Zidane said the decision to leave Mbappe out had been taken as a precaution, with the forward feeling discomfort during a training session.

“He will miss tomorrow, he felt a little pain and we won’t take any risk,” Zidane said.

“It’s a shame to lose players but it’s part of the game. I hope that it’s nothing too serious and that he’ll be available for Sunday. It’s just a minor issue.”

France play Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, and Zidane is hopeful Mbappe will recover in time to return to the squad.

The Real Madrid forward has rejoined the national team for this international break after missing France’s previous three matches because of injury.

Mbappe has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season and was also on target in Zidane’s first match in charge, when France beat Turkey in September. He was forced off shortly afterwards after experiencing discomfort in his left knee.

France have taken three wins and one draw from their opening four matches in Group A1. A victory against Italy would guarantee their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.