Former world champions France have suffered a major blow ahead of their crucial UEFA Nations League away fixture against Italy, with captain Kylian Mbappé ruled out due to a hamstring issue. France coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the setback, stating that the team will take no risks with the forward's fitness.
The match takes place at the San Siro in Milan on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:45 AM local time. Mbappé, who last featured for Les Bleus on September 25 against Turkey, has struggled with knee and hamstring fitness over the international windows. Reacting to Mbappé's absence in a lighthearted manner, Italy coach Roberto Mancini joked during the pre-match press conference: "My advice is that he shouldn't take any risks because Real Madrid has Champions League matches coming up. It’s better if he doesn't play tomorrow. That aside, France has an abundance of top-tier forwards."
Read nextDebut Sensation Sakib Khan Claims 7 Wickets as Sri Lanka Collapse in Rawalpindi TestIn addition to Mbappé, France is missing striker Marcus Thuram and midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni due to injuries. To cover the absences, Zidane has handed maiden call-ups to 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Senny Mayulu and 20-year-old Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. Following tonight's clash against Italy, France is scheduled to face Turkey on Sunday.
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