Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion in the Real Madrid squad list to face Villarreal has seemingly not gone too well with French national team coach, Didier Deschamps.
According to L’Equipe, Deschamps and his staff expressed their disapproval and shock over the decision to include Mbappe in the Villarreal game.
Deschamps puzzled by Mbappe’s selection
Deschamps opted to leave Mbappe out of France’s squad for the upcoming October international break, citing the player’s recovery from a left thigh injury sustained against Alaves on September 24 as the reason for his exclusion.
Even though the French captain made his comeback against Lille this week, all parties, including Real Madrid, the player, and Deschamps, were in agreement that Mbappe was not fully fit to participate in international duty.
Deschamps, however, is puzzled by Mbappe’s sudden readiness to play for his club, as it contradicts the longstanding tradition that a player available for club selection is usually also ready for national team duty.
This is especially significant given Mbappe’s role as captain of Les Bleus. Deschamps has always relied on his captain to lead by example, and the decision to prioritize club football over international duty has not been received well within the French camp.
Mbappe’s inclusion, therefore, has raised serious questions over his commitment to the nation.
Despite all of this confusion, Real Madrid remain focused on ensuring Mbappe’s full recovery, after all, he did not look at his full fitness against Lille.
Whether or not he starts or even participates in this game will be something worth keeping an eye on.