Kylian Mbappe Misses France Training Due to Flu Ahead of Nations League Matches
Kylian Mbappe, captain of the French national team and forward for Real Madrid, did not join group training at Clairefontaine because of flu symptoms. This setback arrived just before important UEFA Nations League fixtures, casting uncertainty over his availability.
Sideline at Clairefontaine
The flu kept Mbappe indoors during Tuesday's training session near Paris, preventing him from taking part in outdoor drills. Official reports confirmed that although it was a mild illness, it stopped the 27-year-old from training alongside his teammates. This disruption comes at a crucial moment as France prepares for a busy schedule under new coach Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane’s First Test as Les Bleus’ Manager
This camp is Zidane’s first major opportunity to work with the squad after the 2026 World Cup. Despite a talented roster, losing Mbappe temporarily complicates tactical plans. Still, the rest of the squad pushed through their outdoor sessions, adapting to Zidane’s style and methods ahead of upcoming matches.
Challenging Nations League Fixtures Ahead
France faces a tough series of games in quick succession. The schedule includes an away match against Turkey on September 25, followed by a trip to Belgium three days later. Then they return home to play Italy on October 2 and meet Belgium again on October 5. This tight calendar will test the squad’s depth, so medical staff are closely monitoring Mbappe’s condition to get him back as soon as possible.
Recovery and Squad Plans
The focus now turns to how quickly Mbappe can recover. Since flu is common, doctors expect him to rejoin full training once symptoms subside. Whether he starts or rests will be decided closer to the Turkey game kickoff.
UEFA Nations League Schedule:
- Turkey vs France: September 25, 2026, 21:45
- Belgium vs France: September 28, 2026
- France vs Italy: October 2, 2026
- France vs Belgium: October 5, 2026
