Zidane without Mbappé again for Italy Nations League match

Mbappé misses Thursday's Nations League match against Italy due to a hamstring injury; France hopes he returns for Sunday's home game against Turkey.

Kylian Mbappé will miss France's Nations League fixture against Italy on Thursday evening due to a persistent hamstring injury, according to L'Équipe. The forward was absent from Wednesday's final training session ahead of the team's trip to Milan.

Manager Zinédine Zidane has now been without Mbappé for four consecutive Nations League matches. The injury first struck in September's opening fixture against Turkey, when Mbappé was forced off after an hour. He returned to action for Real Madrid following the international break but has not recovered fully.

France remain optimistic that Mbappé will be available for Sunday's home match against Turkey in Bordeaux. Zidane is also without Pierre Kalulu, Marcus Thuram and Aurélien Tchouaméni through injury. Despite the absences, France have made a strong start to the Nations League with three wins and a draw from four matches, though they drew 1-1 at home to Italy.