Mbappé Leaves French Team Early, Returns to Madrid for Injury Assessment

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Kylian Mbappé will not travel to Azerbaijan for France’s final World Cup qualifier on Sunday, as the Real Madrid captain has left the French team training camp due to ongoing ankle inflammation. The French Football Federation announced the decision Friday, confirming that Mbappé’s departure is precautionary rather than concerning, given France’s already-secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Early Departure and Medical Decision

The 25-year-old midfielder made an impact during his time with the squad, contributing a brace and an assist before cutting his international break short. Real Madrid has requested immediate medical examinations with the approval of French coach Didier Deschamps, prioritizing Mbappé’s long-term fitness for the club campaign. There’s no drama surrounding his departure, as the French federation views this as a logical step given the circumstances.

Strategic Squad Rotation

Deschamps had already planned significant squad rotation for the Azerbaijan match, which carries no competitive stakes following France’s World Cup qualification. The decision allows Madrid to conduct thorough assessments on their star player while enabling the French national team to provide opportunities to other players. This represents a mutual agreement between both parties to manage Mbappé’s workload and injury cautiously.

Mbappé’s early return to Madrid reflects the delicate balance between international duty and club commitments in modern football. With his ankle inflammation being monitored closely, the focus now shifts to his recovery ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures.