Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to leave Kylian Mbappe out of his latest squad.
The France manager has named 23 players for next week’s Nations League matches against Israel and Italy.
However, Real Madrid superstar Mbappe is a notable absentee from the squad list chosen by Deschamps.
It is the second time in a row the 25-year-old has been left out by the national team.
He also missed last month’s victories over Israel and Belgium in the same competition.
Deschamps has explained his decision, though, telling reporters: “I had discussions with Kylian and made my decision. It’s better this way.”
The World Cup winning coach added: “Mbappe wanted to come with us, it’s not because of any other problem.”
Mbappe was handed his senior international debut by Deschamps as an 18-year-old back in 2017.
He has since gone on to score 48 goals in 86 caps for Les Bleus.
Those goals have seen him become his country’s third highest scorer of all-time behind Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry.
However, the forward will now have to wait until at least March to add to his tally.
Mbappe has already scored eight goals in 15 appearances since his move to the Spanish capital in the summer – although three were penalties.
Didier Deschamps has explained his decision not to call-up Kylian Mbappe for France[/caption]
Mbappe has not played for Les Bleus since September after missing last month’s matches[/caption]
Meanwhile, France are on course to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Nations League next year.
Deschamps’ side are second in their group, one point behind leaders Italy.
They remain five points clear of Belgium in third place with two matches remaining.
The top two teams in each League A group will compete in March’s quarter-finals for a place in the finals later in 2025.
