France Squad Tensions Rise as Mbappé Drama Threatens Team Unity
France head coach Didier Deschamps has revealed that Kylian Mbappé is dealing with an ankle problem sustained during his most recent appearance for Real Madrid.
Mbappé was forced to leave the field with seven minutes remaining in Saturday's 3–1 win against Villarreal. While he joined the France camp this week, he was absent from Monday's training session, staying indoors to receive treatment for his ankle issue.
France are set to face Azerbaijan and Iceland in two upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month, and Deschamps acknowledged he has not yet determined what involvement Mbappé will have in those encounters.
"I don't possess any further details at this time," Deschamps commented regarding Mbappé's situation. "An assessment will be provided as customary, irrespective of the player or his club affiliation.
"I had a conversation with Kylian, he's present, he experienced a minor issue but it's not insurmountable. We'll be patient with our medical team and monitor how things develop."
Real Madrid supporters will be hoping Mbappé receives ample recovery time. The 26-year-old has made a brilliant start to the campaign, scoring 14 goals across 10 appearances and only drawing a blank in one fixture thus far.
France Criticized Over Injured Player Management
The September international window was overshadowed by disputes concerning player fitness issues. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick criticized Spain's management of Lamine Yamal, while France faced its own controversy with Paris Saint-Germain.
The European title holders publicly questioned French authorities after key players Ousmane Dembélé and Desiré Doué both suffered injuries while on national team duty, and friction has resurfaced this month following winger Bradley Barcola's removal from the squad.
An announcement from the French Football Federation mentioned a "persistent injury to [Barcola's] right hamstring dating back to the Parisian club's Champions League fixture against Atalanta Bergamo (4–0, on Sept. 17)." Seldom has the FFF provided such comprehensive details when explaining a player's absence.
This prompted a "shocked" reaction from PSG, who contended the information "does not align whatsoever with the medical data shared by the Paris Saint-Germain medical staff."
An irritated statement declared: "Prior to the assembly and following the Ligue 1 matchday 7 encounter against Lille, Paris Saint-Germain provided the French national team with a medical assessment of Bradley Barcola, which showed no chronic injury following the Atalanta match.
"Paris Saint-Germain also emphasizes that medical privacy must be maintained for the benefit of all involved parties."