France head coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed speculation of a disagreement with captain Kylian Mbappe, insisting that the Real Madrid forward remains an important part of the national team.
Mbappe missed France’s 3-1 defeat to Italy in their Nations League meeting at the San Siro after experiencing a minor hamstring problem. However, Zidane has indicated that the 2026 Ballon d’Or runner-up is expected to return for Sunday’s encounter with Turkey.
Speaking after the defeat, Zidane expressed hope that the forward would be fit enough to feature in the next match.
“I hope so; that’s why he stayed. I don’t think it’s anything serious. The idea is to have him play,” the France coach said.
Zidane explained that keeping Mbappe with the squad was part of the team’s plan to monitor his recovery rather than risk making his injury worse. He had earlier adopted a cautious approach, revealing that the striker felt slight pain and was disappointed to miss the Italy game.
The decision not to release Mbappe from the national team camp immediately fuelled speculation about a possible disagreement between the two men, particularly after Zidane confirmed that the captain would not play against Italy.
However, reports suggesting a strained relationship between them have been played down. French football journalist Abdellah Boulma also dismissed claims that a private jet had been arranged to take Mbappe from Paris back to Madrid, insisting that the forward was simply being rested.
Attention has now shifted to Sunday’s meeting with Turkey in Bordeaux, where France will be hoping to secure a much needed victory.
Les Bleus currently occupy second place in League A Group 1 with 10 points, level with Italy and just one point ahead of third placed Belgium. Mbappe’s possible return would provide a timely boost as France look to strengthen their position in the group.
