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Mbappé knee injury likely sidelines him for three Nations League matches

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 2:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mbappé Injured

France beat Turkey 1-0 after Kylian Mbappé scored in the 54th minute.
Mbappé left the pitch with a knee injury.
Desire Doué replaced Mbappé.
Zinedine Zidane said France will not risk Mbappé because the injury looks serious.
Mbappé will travel to Madrid for treatment and likely miss France’s next three Nations League games.

Summary

Zidane Announces Leadership

Zidane announced a four-man leadership group that includes Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé.
Zidane said he prefers Kylian Mbappé on the left wing rather than as a traditional No. 9.
Six uncapped players—Esteban Lepaul, Leny Yoro, Jeremy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf and Guillaume Restes—were called up.
Mbappé missed Tuesday’s training at Clairefontaine because of flu-like symptoms, staying in his room.

History

Historical Context

In the 2010 World Cup, France finished bottom of Group A with one point after a draw and two losses, and coach Raymond Domenech saw striker Nicolas Anelka expelled and captain Patrice Evra suspended, leading to an 18-match ban for Anelka and a five-match ban for Evra. The scandal, still recalled today, fuels fears the current squad could repeat the mismanagement and miss the 2024 Nations League final.

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Mbappé Injured

France beat Turkey 1-0 after Kylian Mbappé scored in the 54th minute.
Mbappé left the pitch with a knee injury.
Desire Doué replaced Mbappé.
Zinedine Zidane said France will not risk Mbappé because the injury looks serious.
Mbappé will travel to Madrid for treatment and likely miss France’s next three Nations League games.

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