France coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Thursday’s Nations League clash against Italy.
France travel to Milan looking to strengthen their position at the top of Group A1, but will have to do so without their influential forward.
Mbappe reported discomfort during training, prompting Zidane to rule him out rather than risk aggravating the injury.
“He will miss tomorrow, he felt a little pain and we won’t take any risk,” Zidane said.
“It’s a shame to lose players but it’s part of the game. I hope that it’s nothing too serious and that he’ll be available for Sunday. It’s just a minor issue.”
France face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, with Zidane hopeful that Mbappe will recover in time to feature.
The forward has returned to the national squad for this international break after missing France’s previous three matches through injury.
He has enjoyed an impressive season at Real Madrid, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.
Mbappe also scored the winning goal in Zidane’s first match in charge against Turkey in September, although he was forced off shortly afterwards with discomfort in his left knee.
France have collected three wins and a draw from their opening four group matches. Victory over Italy would secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
