Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that France’s decision not to call up Kylian Mbappe for October’s international was influenced by Real Madrid’s medical staff.
The French superstar picked up a hamstring injury in the dying embers of a win over Alaves on September 24 and was expected to miss at least three weeks of action. However, Mbappe ended up missing just one week of football, recovering in time to play just over 30 minutes of football. Surprising defeat of Real Madrid by 1-0 at the hands of LOSC Lille in the Champions League.
Despite Mbappé’s quick return from injury, France manager Didier Dechamps decided not to call up the forward for international call-up this October for the UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. Speaking to the press about the decision, Deschamps cited injury as the reason for the omission:
“I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a problem but it’s not serious. I’m not going to take risks, that’s why he’s not in the squad.”
Mbappe’s availability for Madrid and not France has left many French fans quite baffled heading into the international break, as the striker is considered fit enough to play for his club at the moment.
Addressing Deschamps’ decision, Madrid manager Ancelotti hinted that the club’s medical staff recommended he rest during the international break, although he has been cleared to play this week in La Liga.
“Deschamps has decided not to call him up,” Ancelotti said.
“Mbappé spoke to his coach, and I know the medical staff at the club spoke to the medical staff in France. So they spoke and decided to make this decision.”
The forward has been named in Madrid’s squad to face Villarreal on Saturday evening and is expected to start the game.
