Kylian Mbappé Sits Out France Training Ahead of Italy Showdown

France's preparations for their upcoming Nations League encounter with Italy hit a snag as Kylian Mbappé was absent from the team's latest outdoor training session. The Real Madrid forward did not join the rest of the squad on the grass at Clairefontaine, sparking immediate questions about his fitness ahead of the trip to Milan.

The French Football Federation (FFF) moved quickly to provide an update, clarifying that the captain is not currently suffering from an injury. According to official statements, Mbappé remained indoors to work in the gym. This individual program is designed to allow the player to recover and manage his physical condition following a heavy run of matches.

Precautionary Measures

Despite the federation's reassuring tone, it is not yet confirmed if Mbappé will travel with the squad to the San Siro on Wednesday afternoon. There is speculation in media reports that the decision to skip the morning session could be due to a minor muscular issue, though the medical staff may simply be acting out of caution to ensure his availability for Thursday's fifth-round fixture.

This situation follows a previous international break where Mbappé was forced to the sidelines. During the early stages of the Zinedine Zidane era, the forward missed games after picking up a knock against Turkey, a match in which he had opened the scoring while playing on the left wing.

With Dembélé unavailable for this selection window, Zidane’s tactical plans for the Italy match likely involve moving Mbappé into a more central role. If he is cleared to play by the medical team, he is expected to lead the line as the center-forward in what remains a crucial high-stakes match for Les Bleus.