Mbappé injury forces return to Madrid

Kylian Mbappé has left the French national team camp due to inflammation in his right ankle that requires medical care, the French Football Federation confirmed. The striker will undergo tests today in Madrid and will miss Sunday’s game in Azerbaijan. His teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who is dealing with muscle soreness, is also heading back to the Spanish capital this Friday.

On Thursday, Mbappé led the World Cup runners-up to a 4–0 win over Ukraine, scoring twice to seal France’s qualification for the next World Cup. After the match, he felt discomfort in his right ankle, and following an initial examination, the Federation – in consultation with the medical staff – decided to release him from duty.

Sunday’s match in Azerbaijan is irrelevant to Les Bleus’ campaign, as they have already secured both qualification and the top spot in their group. Given that, the Federation considered it an unnecessary risk to play Mbappé – even though he is only two goals shy of Olivier Giroud’s all-time scoring record. The player is already flying back to Madrid to receive treatment for the ankle inflammation.