Mbappe’s ankle steals the show: Deschamps explains, France looks ahead
12 October 2025
Injury update and coach’s stance
It remains unclear how serious Kylian Mbappe’s ankle issue is as he misses the current France camp. The star forward had been involved in recent duties, yet the latest setback forces an immediate halt to his participation with the national team.
Mbappe contributed a goal and an assist in France’s 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes, a match that forms part of the European World Cup qualifiers. The result kept France on track in their bid for a 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The notice of renewed ankle pain led coach Didier Deschamps to substitute Mbappe late in the game, and it was decided that he would not continue with the squad to rest and undergo further treatment with Real Madrid’s medical staff.
France will therefore miss Mbappe for the next fixture, a qualifier against Iceland scheduled for Monday, while the rest of the squad trains on as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Deschamps faced questions about Mbappe’s involvement, repeatedly asked whether playing Mbappe late in the match contributed to his problem. He stated that discussions occurred before the game, at halftime, and after, and that Mbappe’s pain could have stemmed from contact rather than his selection alone.
He also noted that Mbappe had sustained another knock in the same region, which exacerbated the issue. In his view, knocks are part of football and any player can be affected by them, which is a normal risk of the sport.
RMC reported the injury isn’t serious, suggesting Mbappe could train with Real Madrid within a few days after a short rest. The medical situation remains monitored to avoid a repeat incident that could jeopardize the player’s longer-term health.
In the matchday squad, Didier Deschamps announced that Mike Maignan—the Milan goalkeeper—will wear the captain’s armband against Iceland in Mbappe’s absence, underscoring the leadership shift within the group.
France’s October/October camp squad
The French squad for the October camp features a 23-player roster, including:
Goalkeepers: Lucas Scouvalier (Paris Saint‑Germain), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes).
Defenders: Luca Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint‑Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Benjamin Pavard (Marseille), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Manu Kone (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Khéphren Thuram (Juventus).
Forwards: Magnus Akliouch (Monaco), Florian Tóvan (Lens), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).
Note: Camavinga returns to the lineup to replace suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Saliba returns at the expense of Benjamin Pavard. Two other changes were made due to injuries, with Ibrahim Konate and Bradley Barcola unavailable, and Pavard and Tovan stepping in for them.
Group standings and next fixtures
France sits atop Group D with nine points, boasting three straight wins. Ukraine follow with four points, Iceland have three, and Azerbaijan remain on one. France will close the group stage with a home match against Ukraine at Parc des Princes, followed by away fixtures against Azerbaijan on November 13 and 16.
France’s continued form keeps their World Cup hopes alive, but Mbappe’s health will be a deciding factor as the qualifiers approach the final stretch.
