# Kylian Mbappé Out for France vs Italy in Nations League France captain Kylian Mbappé misses Nations League clash against Italy due to hamstring discomfort. - **Source:** [20 Minutes](https://www.20minutes.fr) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5641f380-cb8b-4847-8442-eede62f93f77 ## Mbappé sidelined for Italy France captain Kylian Mbappé will miss the Nations League match against Italy in Milan this Thursday. Coach Zinédine Zidane confirmed the decision, citing a hamstring discomfort as the primary reason. The team opted for a precautionary approach to avoid aggravating the injury, ensuring the star forward remains available for future fixtures. ## Hopes for Sunday return Zidane expressed optimism regarding Mbappé's recovery timeline following the medical evaluation. The coaching staff hopes the player will be fit to participate in Sunday's match against Turkey in Bordeaux. While the current discomfort is described as minor, the team remains cautious to prevent any long-term physical setbacks for the captain. ## Training session absence Although Mbappé trained normally during the first session of the current international gathering on Monday, he was unable to participate in Wednesday morning's practice at the Clairefontaine national football center. This sudden setback necessitated a change in plans for the squad as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter in Italy. ## Replacement call-up To compensate for Mbappé's absence, the French coaching staff has called up Senny Mayulu. The Paris-based player was already present at Clairefontaine, participating in a training camp with the national U21 squad. This tactical adjustment ensures the team maintains depth in the attacking line for the upcoming Nations League group stage matches. ## Recent injury history Mbappé, currently playing for Real Madrid, had just returned to the national team after missing three previous matches due to a left knee injury. His return was marked by a winning goal against Turkey on September 25. This latest hamstring issue adds to a challenging period of fitness management for the striker. ## Widespread squad absences The French team is currently facing a significant injury crisis during this international break. Beyond Mbappé, key players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Marcus Thuram, and Pierre Kalulu are also sidelined. These absences follow a long list of previously injured starters, including Ousmane Dembélé, William Saliba, Manu Koné, and Jules Koundé, complicating Zidane's tactical selections. ## Strong group standing Despite the mounting injury list, France remains in a dominant position in Group 1 of the Nations League. With three victories and one draw in four matches, the team is currently leading the group. They are well-positioned to secure a spot in the quarter-finals before the final two group stage matches. ## Strategic implications The reliance on depth players highlights the importance of the national youth pipeline during injury-plagued windows. Zidane's ability to manage these absences while maintaining group performance will be tested in the upcoming games against Italy and Turkey. The team's qualification prospects depend on maintaining consistency despite the frequent rotation of personnel. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.20minutes.fr/sport/football/4262246-20261112-equipe-france-zidane-confirme-forfait-mbappe-contre-italie-ligue-nations?at_medium=display&at_campaign=149 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._