<p>Kylian Mbappe’s unexpected return to the pitch in Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal has caused a stir within the French national team, particularly with head coach Didier Deschamps. The forward was recovering from a thigh injury. Thus, Deschamps left him out of France’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. All this, with the mutual understanding that rest was necessary for his recovery. However, just days after sitting out the matches, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kylian-mbappe-had-an-agreement-to-join-liverpool-in-2022/">Mbappe</a> returned to action. Worse still, manager Carlo Ancelotti included him in Real Madrid’s starting XI, raising concerns and confusion in the French camp.</p>



<p>Deschamps had personally discussed the situation with the striker prior to announcing the squad for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a>‘s crucial Nations League fixtures. The consensus was that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mbappe-to-miss-key-real-madrid-fixtures-due-to-injury/">injury required a significant rest period</a>, likely around three weeks. Deschamps and the French medical team felt that Mbappe needed more time to regain full fitness. Especially considering his role as the team’s captain and one of their key players.</p>



<p>However, Mbappe’s return in under nine days shocked Deschamps. Apparently, <a href="https://as.com/futbol/internacional/mbappe-descoloca-a-francia-n/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diario AS</a> claim that he expected his star forward to sit out longer to ensure a complete recovery. This rapid comeback saw the striker feature against Villarreal for 70 minutes. Nonetheless, it contradicted the advice initially agreed upon by both the French and Real Madrid medical teams.</p>



<h2>Mbappe medical mishap or club-country conflict?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241006_WST_533746_Mbappe-1-1200x675_564021ec.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-533838" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>The crux of the confusion lies in the coordination—or lack thereof—between the medical departments of the French national team and Real Madrid. After Mbappe was substituted during the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Champions League</a> defeat to Lille, Deschamps concluded that the player was not in optimal condition. In fact, the 26-year-old required further rest to avoid aggravating his hamstring issue. France’s coaching staff had monitored his recovery closely, believing that he would miss the upcoming international fixtures.</p>



<p>Los Blancos, however, took a different approach, reintegrating Mbappe into the squad sooner than expected. This decision has not only puzzled Deschamps but has also left the French camp feeling uneasy about the player’s priorities. If a player is fit enough to compete for their club, they are also considered available for national team duty. Mbappe’s exclusion from France’s squad, combined with his swift return to action for Real Madrid, has led to speculation that he may be distancing himself from the national team. It is a notion that has further unsettled Deschamps and his staff.</p>



<h2>Impact on France’s Nations League campaign</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241006_WST_533746_Mbappe-2-1200x675_971b9632.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-533839" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Mbappe’s absence is particularly concerning for France, who are currently second in their UEFA Nations League group. The upcoming matches against Israel and Belgium are pivotal as the French look to secure qualification. With the retirement of Antoine Griezmann from international duty, the French squad needs strong leadership. Thus, Mbappe’s experience and influence would be vital in these fixtures. Deschamps had hoped to rely on his captain. However, the turn of events has left him with fewer options as Les Blues face these critical encounters.</p>



<p>From the player’s standpoint, the return to action might signal a desire to prove his fitness ahead of key domestic and international fixtures. The timing of his comeback, while rapid, could be seen as a sign of commitment to Real Madrid’s ambitions. Particularly as the team is gearing up for important matches in both La Liga and the Champions League. Manager Carlo Ancelotti trusts that the forward is healthy enough to compete, given his inclusion in the squad against Villarreal.</p>



<p>Real Madrid’s decision to reinstate the 26-year-old so quickly raises questions about the club’s assessment of his injury. While thigh and hamstring injuries typically require careful management to avoid re-injury, Madrid’s medical team appears to have been confident in his recovery timeline. Nevertheless, this decision risks further tension with the French national team, who had expected a more cautious approach.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Mbappe's early return sparks friction between France and Madrid

Kylian Mbappe's unexpected return to the pitch in Real Madrid's match against Villarreal has caused a stir within France.

Mbappe's early return sparks friction between France and Madrid - World Soccer Talk

<p>Star <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> winger Kylian Mbappé will miss a chunk of time at Euro 2024 after breaking his nose. Reports coming out of Paris estimate he could miss the rest of France’s group-stage clashes and even a round-of-16 match.</p>



<p>Fortunately for Les Bleus, the France Football Federation confirmed Mbappé would not require surgery. Mbappé returned to the France team camp after hours of tests at a local hospital and will have a mask made for him as he prepares to play.</p>



<p>Regardless, the injury is a considerable blow for the France squad. </p>



<h2>Mbappé nose injury comes at a tense time for France</h2>



<p>Mbappé started the game up top for France in their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/france-staves-off-austria-to-avoid-third-euro-upset-of-the-day/">Euro 2024 opener</a> against Austria. It was a tense, physical battle, with fellow star Antoine Griezmann also suffering a head injury after an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/austria-national-team-tv-schedule/">Austria</a> defender shoved him into an advertising board. France only got the full three points through Maximilian Wöber’s own goal when he inadvertently headed a Mbappé cross into his net.</p>



<p>Mbappé, who missed several important chances against Austria, suffered a scary nose injury in the 85th minute. After Griezmann lofted a free-kick into the box, Mbappé, looking to get a head on the ball, smashed his face on the shoulder of a nearby Kevin Danso.</p>



<p>He stayed on the ground for several minutes and received medical treatment from France’s team doctors. He walked off the pitch gripping his bloody nose, his white French jersey stained with red.</p>



<p>After Austria illegally restarted play while France hadn’t made their sub, Mbappé, still gripping his nose, jogged back to the field and sat back down. The referee gave him a yellow card for unsporting-like behavior, allowing France to make two vital substitutions.</p>



<p>Team doctors say that Mbappé will miss France’s vital match against the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/netherlands-national-team-tv-schedule/">Netherlands</a> on Friday, and he’s a major doubt to return to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/poland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Poland</a> next Tuesday. He will have to play the rest of the Euros in a mask, confirmed by both French media outlets and Mbappé himself, who asked for mask ideas on social media.</p>



<h2>What are France’s options?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240618_WST_512242_Mbappé-nose-1-1200x670_9d5d8178.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-512254" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Mbappé-nose-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Mbappé-nose-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Mbappé-nose-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Mbappé-nose-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>It’s a blow to miss arguably the best player in the world currently active. France will sorely miss his services at the Euros, especially because it seemed he was just getting started. It was his incisive dribbling and cross that caused the, of course, unlucky Wöber own goal. </p>



<p>He was one of the best players on the Merkur-Spiel Arena pitch. Electric on the ball, physical and creative off it. He showed his full range of skills against Austria despite the massive blown chance in the second half. France will still feel unlucky not to catch Mbappé at his full strength against the Dutch.</p>



<p>He started up top for <em>Les Bleus</em> as the starting striker, so France has several attacking options to choose from. </p>



<p>Manager Didier Deschamps could choose incoming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/lafc-tv-schedule-los-angeles-fc/">LAFC</a> striker Olivier Giroud, who started France’s pre-Euro friendly against Canada. Giroud is old — he turns 38 in September and will <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5517043/2024/05/24/olivier-giroud-france-retirement/">retire</a> from international football after the Euros– but he’s still obviously technically adept and an amazing finisher. He scored 15 goals at Milan and can drop deep and spread the ball around to the wings.</p>



<p>Randal Kolo Muani is another choice for Deschamps. His chemistry with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> teammates Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé is a plus, along with his technical skill, agility, and versatility in attack. However, Kolo Muani is still young and had an inconsistent season in Paris.</p>



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<p>Marcus Thuram is the other likely candidate to succeed Mbappé. The Inter striker scored 13 goals for his club and played well for France against Austria on the left wing. He’s agile and positionally intelligent, and his big frame makes him an ideal candidate to loft cross towards. However, he can be a bit wasteful in front of goal, and Deschamps might want to keep him on the left wing considering his positive performances.</p>



<p>Deschamps could move Griezmann up top from his No. 10 position. He could return to his familiar 4-4-2 shape and play two strikers up top. Whatever the solution, it needs to come fast before their match against the Netherlands. They will likely have to take three points from the Netherlands’ solid, deep squad to finish first in Group D.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

France has hurdle as Mbappe misses games for a broken nose

Star winger Kylian Mbappé suffered a broken nose at Euro 2024 against Austria. The Real star is expected to come back by the quarter-finals.

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Mbappe's early return sparks friction between France and Madrid

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France has hurdle as Mbappe misses games for a broken nose