Zidane confirms Mbappé out against Italy

Minor discomfort rules out France captain for Nations League clash; expected to return for Turkey match on Sunday.

Kylian Mbappé has been ruled out of France's Nations League group-stage match against Italy on Thursday at San Siro due to a minor injury concern. Manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed the decision at his pre-match press conference in Milan, stating: "Kylian will miss the match.

He felt a small pain and we're not going to take any risks. He has a slight discomfort, a minor issue, and should be fine for Sunday." Zidane was referring to France's next fixture against Turkey.

Mbappé did not train with the squad at Clairefontaine on the previous day, signalling the likely absence. France are dealing with multiple injury concerns during this international break, with midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni also departing the camp and key players Dembélé, Saliba and Marcus Thuram unavailable.

Zidane acknowledged the frustration of the November international window coinciding with domestic league and Champions League commitments, calling the situation "lamentable" but unavoidable.