Deschamps Excludes Mbappe Again from France Squad for UEFA Nations League Matches

Kylian Mbappe has once again been left out of the France squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy. Coach Didier Deschamps has stated that the decision to omit the Real Madrid star is "for the best."

This marks the second consecutive squad in which Mbappe, the national team captain, has not been included. He also missed France's October matches against Israel and Belgium.

"I have spoken with him and I have made the decision for this get-together because I think it is for the best," Deschamps said during a press conference in Paris.

Mbappe, 25, was initially rested for last month's international break due to a minor thigh injury he sustained while playing for Real Madrid. However, his recovery came under scrutiny when he returned to action for his club shortly after, before France's matches took place.

The Parisian forward missed France's 4-1 victory over Israel and the 2-1 win against Belgium, opting for a brief trip to Stockholm with his entourage instead. It was during this trip that Swedish media reported an investigation into an alleged rape, a claim that Mbappe has denied, calling the reports "fake news." His lawyer stated that legal action would be taken for libel, and while a Swedish prosecutor confirmed an investigation, Mbappe has not been named as a suspect.

Deschamps addressed the situation, insisting that the omission of Mbappe was not related to the off-field controversy. "I am not going to set out my argument, but I can say two things. The first is that Kylian wanted to come. The second is that it is not to do with the off-field problems because the presumption of innocence exists," he explained.

Since the controversy, Mbappe has played four matches for Real Madrid, scoring one goal, but he has not yet returned to his best form.

"I don't want to say any more about it. I stand by my decision," Deschamps concluded.

France, currently second in Group A2 of the Nations League, are one point behind leaders Italy. Their final two group matches will be against Israel at the Stade de France on November 14 and Italy in Milan on November 17. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, which will take place in March 2024. The semi-finals and final will follow in June.

In other squad news, veteran midfielder N'Golo Kante returns to the France team, having recently joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Adrien Rabiot of Marseille also makes the cut. Lille's highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier receives his first call-up, replacing West Ham's Alphonse Areola.

France Squad for UEFA Nations League:

- Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)

- Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), N'Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

- Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)