Mbappé sub was planned pre-injury – France’s Deschamps
France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will miss Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland after sustaining an ankle injury in the 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Friday. The Real Madrid forward, who opened the scoring in the match, returned to his club for treatment on the right ankle knock, ruling him out of the upcoming fixture. No replacement has been called up ahead of the Group D encounter in Reykjavik.
Mbappé suffered the injury late in the match but completed the game before being substituted. Deschamps explained the decision to play him was taken after extensive discussions with the player and cited no worsening of symptoms during the match. “He wasn’t in more serious pain, but there were some shocks. Before I took him off, he got a blow exactly where his ankle hurt,” Deschamps said. “Obviously, he stopped immediately. Without that shock, given his form, there was no particular problem.”
The absence of Mbappé removes a key attacking threat from the French side as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. France can qualify with a win provided Ukraine fails to beat Azerbaijan, adding further importance to Monday’s match. In Mbappé’s absence, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been named captain.
The squad also witnessed a change in defense with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté withdrawing due to a persistent thigh issue, returning to his club for treatment. Benjamin Pavard has been called up as his replacement, reinforcing the backline ahead of the Iceland game.
Mbappé’s injury and Konaté’s withdrawal test France’s squad depth, though the team remains confident under Deschamps’s management. The coach’s careful handling of the injury highlights the balance between managing player fitness and the pressure to secure crucial qualifying points. For Mbappé, the enforced rest provides time to recover fully and maintain his long-term contribution to the national team’s ambitions.