Struggling Kylian Mbappé left off France’s national team roster by head coach Didier Deschamps

PARIS — France have left Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé out of their squad to face Israel and Italy in this month's two Nations League games, coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday as his captain's absence now stretches to four matches.

Deschamps did not say whether Mbappe, who played for Real in their Champions League home defeat by AC Milan on Tuesday, was injured, arguing his choice was a "one-off decision" and that the player "wanted to come" and join the team.

Kylian Mbappé France roster exclusion

Kylian Mbappé will not be part of France squad for the games against Italy and Israel. Decision made. pic.twitter.com/wbo0wQPo5n

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2024

The 25-year-old Mbappé, who has been struggling for form after joining Real from Paris St Germain in the close season, missed two France games last month, against Israel and Belgium.

"I've had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only," Deschamps told a press conference. "Kylian wanted to come."

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France, who are second in Group A2 a point behind Italy after four games, take on Israel next Thursday at the Stade de France and travel to face the Italians on Nov. 17.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Christina Fincher and Ken Ferris)