Kylian Mbappé’s absence from France’s national team roster for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Israel has sparked growing speculation. Despite coach Didier Deschamps’ public comments suggesting the decision was “for the best,” reports indicate the Real Madrid striker’s exclusion may be linked to ongoing legal issues with Swedish authorities.
Lingering Questions Over Mbappé’s Absence
A month ago, Mbappé raised eyebrows by skipping a French team training session, though he was reportedly eager to rejoin Les Bleus for the November fixtures. However, Deschamps opted to leave his star forward out, stating it had “nothing to do with off-field issues,” and asserting that it was a unique decision for these two matches alone.
Yet, this explanation has left many unconvinced, with some insiders suggesting that the matter may be more serious than initially thought.
Speculation of Legal Troubles on the Horizon?
Veteran journalist Jacques Vendroux offered a stark take on the situation, hinting that there could be deeper legal ramifications involved. “When Deschamps says, ‘I’m not holding you back,’ it signals something serious,” Vendroux remarked. “While I don’t have specific details, it’s possible that Mbappé’s unresolved Swedish case could become a distraction during the team’s training camp.”
Concerns from French and Spanish Media
Both L’Équipe and Marca have speculated that legal complications surrounding Mbappé could indeed explain his absence. Spanish media sources hint that Deschamps may have wanted to avoid potential disruptions if Mbappé were summoned to Sweden mid-camp, which could affect the team’s preparation for a pivotal showdown in the Final 8.
With investigations still ongoing, the next few days may bring additional revelations, potentially validating Deschamps’ cautious stance in managing his squad. The saga surrounding Mbappé continues to unfold, keeping both fans and analysts on edge as they await further developments.