Kylian Mbappé is set to leave the France national team camp after suffering a knee tendon injury during their 1-0 Nations League victory over Turkey.
The Real Madrid forward scored the decisive goal in Zinedine Zidane’s first game as France coach, but his celebrations were quickly followed by concern when he experienced pain in his knee. Swelling and hyperextension were noted during the incident, prompting the France medical staff to assess the situation.
Mbappé was substituted shortly afterwards as a precaution, with the decision eventually made to prevent him from taking any further risks during the international break.
Zidane confirmed after the match that Mbappé will immediately return to Real Madrid, where he will undergo further examinations and receive treatment from the club’s medical team.
The decision means the France captain will miss the remainder of the current international window. Zidane and the medical staff have opted for caution rather than risk aggravating the problem by keeping the forward with the squad.
According to Zinedine Zidane:
Kylian Mbappé has hyper-extended his knee. He is NOT feeling okay. We will not risk.
The injury occurred at an unfortunate moment for Mbappé, who had just provided the decisive contribution in Zidane’s first match in charge. His goal secured a narrow victory over Turkey and gave the new France boss a winning start, but the focus quickly shifted to the condition of his captain.
Further tests at Real Madrid will determine the extent of the knee tendon injury and provide a clearer picture of Mbappé’s recovery timeline.
For now, France will have to continue without their captain for the rest of the international break, while Real Madrid await the results of his assessment.
Mbappé’s immediate return to Madrid allows the club to take full control of his recovery and ensure that he is not rushed back before he is ready.
