Mbappe left out of France squad for November internationals

Kylian Mbappe has been excluded from the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, as coach Didier Deschamps did not include the Real Madrid star in the lineup announced on Thursday.

This marks the second consecutive France squad that the national team captain has missed, following his absence from October’s games against Israel and Belgium.

Last month, the 25-year-old was rested to recover from a minor thigh injury sustained with Real Madrid.

However, his swift return to club action shortly afterward stirred controversy, as he resumed playing for Real before France’s fixtures had taken place.

Instead of joining the squad, Mbappe was in Stockholm for a short break with his entourage during France’s 4-1 win over Israel in Budapest and their 2-1 victory in Belgium.

Following his visit, Swedish media reported that he was under investigation for an alleged rape, claims he denied as “fake news.”

His lawyer indicated he would pursue legal action for libel, while a Swedish prosecutor confirmed an investigation was underway but did not name Mbappe.

Since these developments, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward has appeared four times for Real Madrid, scoring once, though he is yet to reach his peak form.