Real Madrid Forward to leave the France squad early and return to Spain
Kylian Mbappe has not sustained a serious injury after limping off during France’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in Paris on Friday night.
The Real Madrid forward scored the opening goal but was forced off in the 83rd minute after aggravating a right ankle issue that had troubled him against Villareal last weekend.
However, sources at the club say that scans have showed no significant damage and the forward will not be out for a long time.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Saturday that Mbappe will miss Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland as a precaution and return to Madrid for further recovery. Club sources expect him to resume light training next week.
Mbappe’s goal was his 53rd for France, leaving him just four short of matching Olivier Giroud’s all-time record of 57. The forward has now scored a total of 17 goals in 13 games for club and country, 14 in 10 for Madrid and 3 in 3 for France.
France have said they will not call up a replacement for the 26-year-old, with Didier Deschamps opting to travel to Reykjavik to face Iceland with the remaining squad.
Madrid also confirmed that 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono has withdrawn from Argentina’s squad after sustaining a minor muscle strain in training. The midfielder is also not expected to be out for long.
