Mbappé Left Out of France Squad for Nations League: Deschamps Calls It a 'One-Off Decision'

Mbappé Excluded from France Squad for Nations League: Deschamps Explains 'One-Off Decision'

Kylian Mbappé, despite expressing a desire to join up with France for the upcoming Nations League matches, has been left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for November. The Real Madrid forward will miss key fixtures against Israel and Italy, as the France coach cites a "one-off decision" regarding the player's exclusion.

Deschamps' Decision: A One-Off Choice

Didier Deschamps has clarified that Mbappé’s omission from the squad is a decision made solely for this international window. The France coach confirmed the Real Madrid star "wanted to come," but emphasized that this was a temporary measure.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Deschamps explained, "It's my responsibility to make decisions. I think it's better that way." He added that the decision was not related to any injury concerns, leaving the exact reason for Mbappé’s absence somewhat unclear.

Not About Off-Field Controversies

Deschamps was also quick to address recent media speculation surrounding Mbappé. Swedish newspaper reports had alleged the French forward made a controversial trip to Sweden during the last international break, but Mbappé himself denounced these claims as "fake news," with his representatives calling them "totally false and irresponsible."

Deschamps reaffirmed his position, saying, "What I can tell you are these two things: one, that Kylian wanted to come. And two, it's not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist." The France coach made it clear that this decision had nothing to do with the off-field allegations.

#Mbappé's Struggles at Real Madrid

While Mbappé has enjoyed a productive start to his Real Madrid career, with eight goals in 15 appearances, his form has recently come under scrutiny. The 25-year-old has managed only one goal in his last six matches, drawing criticism for his performances in key fixtures. 

Real Madrid’s recent 4-0 loss to Barcelona, coupled with their nine-point deficit behind their rivals in La Liga, has amplified questions about Mbappé’s impact in high-stakes games. His preferred role on the left wing has also been challenged, with Vinicius Jr. often deployed in the Frenchman’s position.

Focus on the Nations League

Mbappé’s absence will leave a gap in the France squad as they prepare for important Nations League encounters. France will face Israel on November 14, followed by a clash with Italy three days later. Deschamps, however, remains confident that his squad can perform without their star forward for this particular gathering, stating, "It's a one-off choice for this gathering."

As France continues their Nations League campaign, all eyes will be on how Deschamps’ team adapts without Mbappé, with the forward’s return likely a point of focus for future squad selections.

[HIGHLIGHTS/REPORT] Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid

 Vinicius and Mbappé Propel Real Madrid to Victory Ahead of El Clásico...

•  Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, marking their continued success in La Liga.
• Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a long-range strike, while Vinícius Júnior netted the winner after coming on as a substitute, assisted by Luka Modric, who made history as the oldest player to feature for the club.
• Despite the win, Real Madrid faced defensive vulnerabilities, with Celta Vigo applying significant pressure and creating several goal-scoring opportunities, including a near-equalizer in stoppage time.
• The victory keeps Madrid unbeaten in 10 La Liga matches, tying them with Barcelona on points but trailing on goal difference. They face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by the first Clásico of the season against Barcelona next weekend.

Mbappé and Vinícius Lift Real Madrid to 2-1 Victory at Celta Vigo Ahead of Clásico Showdown

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win against Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a stunning long-range strike, but Celta's Williot Swedberg equalized shortly after halftime in the 51st minute.

Vinícius, who came on as a substitute, netted the winner in the 66th minute, expertly finishing a perfectly threaded pass from Luka Modric, who became the oldest player to feature for Real Madrid at 39 years of age. Modric's assist was crucial in guiding the team to victory in a challenging encounter.

Celta Vigo showed considerable attacking intent throughout the match, with Thibaut Courtois making key saves from Swedberg and Jonathan Bamba. Anastasios Douvikas nearly equalized in stoppage time, coming inches away from scoring.

At 39 years old, Luka Modric made history as the oldest player to feature for Real Madrid, playing a pivotal role in their 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga. The Croatian maestro provided the crucial assist for Vinícius Júnior's match-winning goal, showcasing his enduring quality and leadership in guiding the team through a challenging encounter. Modric's impact was instrumental, reinforcing his status as a key figure in Real Madrid.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid displayed moments of defensive vulnerability, and manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges posed by Celta. "I'm happy because we won after the international break which is not always easy," he remarked.

With this win, Real Madrid remains unbeaten in 10 La Liga matches and moves level on points with Barcelona, who play Sevilla on Sunday. However, they trail the Catalans on goal difference and have played one more game. 

Looking ahead, Madrid's schedule intensifies as they prepare for a home clash against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by the highly anticipated first Clásico of the season against Barcelona next weekend.

[HIGHLIGHT]

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[SCANDAL] Mbappé Reportedly Under Investigation for Sexual Assault.

 [SCANDAL] Mbappé Reportedly Under Investigation for Sexual Assault, According to Swedish Media...

Reports from the Swedish newspaper Expressen on Monday evening indicate that Real Madrid player Kylian Mbappé is the subject of a complaint involving allegations of rape and sexual assault.

The alleged incidents involving Kylian Mbappé occurred during the French national team's trip to Stockholm on October 9th, 10th, and 11th. "The case is in the hands of a prosecutor," a police spokesman told Expressen.

Earlier on Monday, media outlet Aftonbladet also reported on Mbappé’s visit to Sweden and the rape complaint, though it did not directly link the French player to the case. In response, the Real Madrid forward took to X to assert, “Fake news. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of a hearing as if by chance.” The hearing in question pertains to former club Paris Saint-Germain’s appeal before The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) Joint Appeals Committee regarding unpaid debts to Mbappé.

A spokesperson for the club stated, “We prefer to ignore this tweet and maintain our class and dignity.” 

Later on Monday, Mbappé's representatives issued a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), asserting, “Today, a new slanderous rumour begins to set the web ablaze, starting from the Swedish media Aftonbladet. These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable. 

“In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of his image, all necessary legal actions will be taken to reestablish the truth and prosecute any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappé repeatedly suffers.”

Real Madrid has yet to comment on the situation. More updates on this scandal will follow.

Belgium vs France

 [Storyline] Belgium vs France

Rivalry Renewed: Belgium Seeks Redemption Against France in Key Nations League Clash

As Belgium and France face off in Brussels today, both teams are eager to close the gap on Group A2 leaders Italy in the UEFA Nations League. Belgium is looking to shake off a decade of disappointment in major tournaments, having mustered just four points from their first three matches. With the "Golden Generation" largely phased out, the new wave of talent is determined to make its mark.

France, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency since their near-miss at the 2022 World Cup. Though they reached the semifinals of Euro 2024, doubts lingered among fans about their title prospects, especially after suffering a setback against Italy at the start of the Nations League.

Both sides enter this local rivalry with a degree of confidence. France recently secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Israel in Budapest, even without star forward Kylian Mbappe. For their part, Belgium showed resilience by fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw in Italy despite trailing by two goals in the first half.

The match carries extra weight for Belgium, who seek revenge after France eliminated them from the Euros in a low-quality encounter decided by Jan Vertonghen's goal. Last month, France bested Belgium 2-0 in the Nations League following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy, showcasing their ability to bounce back.

The group is finely balanced, with Italy leading with seven points, France following closely with six, and Belgium in third with four. Historically, matches between these rivals have been evenly contested, with France edging ahead with 28 wins to Belgium's 30, and 19 matches ending in draws. Notably, France has dominated their recent encounters, winning the last four since the 2018 World Cup.

Belgium will be without key players Amadou Onana, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne. In contrast, France welcomes back Christopher Nkunku, who marked his return to the national side with his first international goal against Israel. If he can replicate that form, he could provide valuable support to Mbappe, lightening the load on the French superstar's shoulders as they look to secure a vital win.