Kylian Mbappe Excluded From France Squad As Didier Deschamps Confirms One-Off Decision

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Kylian Mbappe has been excluded from France's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, described this as a singular decision. Mbappe played the entire match in Real Madrid's 3-1 loss to Milan in the Champions League recently. Deschamps did not clarify if an injury was involved. The forward also missed France's last two games despite being fit for the October international break.

Mbappe's recent form has been under scrutiny. Although he has netted eight goals in 15 matches since joining Real Madrid, he has only scored once in his last six games. "I've had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only," Deschamps stated at a press conference. "Kylian wanted to come."

Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been called up for the first time, taking Alphonse Areola's place in the squad. Additionally, Adrien Rabiot and N'Golo Kante have been recalled as Aurelien Tchouameni is sidelined due to injury. France will play against Israel on November 14 and conclude their Nations League Group A2 campaign against Italy three days later.

The complete list of players includes Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Lens), Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

The midfield lineup features Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid and Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio. Other midfielders include N'Golo Kante from Al-Ittihad, Manu Kone from Roma, Adrien Rabiot from Marseille, and Warren Zaire-Emery from PSG.

The forward line includes Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, both from PSG; Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea; Michael Olise from Bayern Munich; and Marcus Thuram from Inter.

This selection reflects Deschamps' strategy for these crucial matches. The absence of Mbappe is notable but offers opportunities for other talents to shine on this stage.