Mbappe steps up France comeback ahead of Nations League showdown with Turkey

France have been handed a major boost before Sunday’s decisive Nations League meeting with Turkey, with Kylian Mbappe returning to full team training.

The Real Madrid forward took part in France’s evening session at Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, according to Spanish newspaper AS, two days before the match which will determine who reaches the quarter-finals of the competition.

Mbappe had missed France’s match against Italy at San Siro because of pain in his hamstring. His return to training with the rest of the squad follows a noticeable improvement in his physical condition.

France manager Zinedine Zidane said after Friday’s 3-1 defeat by Italy that he remained hopeful of selecting Mbappe for the Turkey game. The coach added that leaving the forward out against Italy had been part of a previously agreed plan.

“I hope he will be ready on Sunday. That was the plan, as he was supposed to rest because he had some pain, while keeping open the possibility of him playing,” Zidane said at his news conference when asked about the Real Madrid captain’s fitness.

Zidane will be eager to have Mbappe available for his first final match as France manager. His team must beat Turkey on Sunday and hope Italy fail to defeat Belgium if they are to reclaim top spot in their Nations League group.

The return of France’s captain would be particularly significant after the two-time world champions struggled without him during Friday’s game against Italy at San Siro.

France entered the decisive stage of their Nations League campaign after the defeat disrupted the Group A standings at League A level. It also ended Zidane’s unbeaten start since he succeeded Didier Deschamps as manager in July.

Zidane’s appointment attracted considerable attention because of his status as one of the leading figures in French football. He took charge with expectations that he could guide France back to major honours, supported by a squad combining experienced players with emerging talent.

His official tenure began with a 1-0 away victory over Turkey on 25 September, when Mbappe scored the only goal. The forward suffered a knee injury during that match, ruling him out of the remaining games during the previous international break.

Despite Mbappe’s absence, France beat Belgium twice – once in Brussels and once at home – and drew with Italy to remain unbeaten before matchday five.

Against Italy, France took the lead through Michael Olise, but the hosts recovered to win 3-1. Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice and Davide Frattesi added the third goal, handing Zidane his first defeat in charge.

The result has reopened the battle for the group’s two qualifying places. France and Italy both have 10 points, with Italy ahead on head-to-head record. Belgium are third on nine points, while Turkey are bottom without a point after five consecutive defeats.