Kenya Sport

Kylian Mbappe Sidelined from France Training with Flu Ahead of Nations League Matches

Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team and forward for Real Madrid, was absent from group training at Clairefontaine because of flu symptoms. This comes just before France's UEFA Nations League fixtures, posing a challenge for new coach Zinedine Zidane.

Flu Forces Mbappe Indoors

The illness kept Mbappe from joining his teammates on the pitch on Tuesday, limiting him to indoor exercises only. The timing is unfortunate for the 27-year-old, as he prepares to lead Les Bleus through an important phase under Zidane's leadership.

New Leadership Under Zidane

This camp is Zidane's first major test since taking charge of France after the 2026 World Cup. Although the squad boasts many stars, Mbappe’s absence complicates tactical planning for the upcoming matches. Despite this, the rest of the team continued their outdoor sessions, getting used to Zidane’s coaching style.

Tough Nations League Schedule Ahead

France faces a packed fixture list over the next two weeks. Their schedule includes:

  • September 25: Away match against Turkey
  • September 28: Away game versus Belgium
  • October 2: Home match against Italy
  • October 5: Another home game against Belgium

This demanding run will test squad depth. Medical staff at Clairefontaine are working to get Mbappe ready for selection.

Recovery and Availability

The team's focus now shifts to monitoring Mbappe’s recovery as they prepare to leave Clairefontaine. Since flu is common during the season, doctors expect him to return to full training once symptoms subside. A final call on whether he will start in the match against Turkey will be made closer to kickoff.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League Fixtures

  • Turkey vs France: September 25, 2026, 21:45
  • France vs Italy: October 2, 2026
  • France vs Belgium: October 5, 2026
  • Villarreal vs Real Madrid (La Liga): October 10, 2026, 22:00

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