"It's unfortunate and quite annoying": Zidane clarifies his relationship with Mbappé before France-Turkey

Zidane dismissed rumours of tension with captain Mbappé ahead of France's Nations League match against Turkey, calling the reports "nonsense" and confirming the striker will be available.

Zinedine Zidane addressed speculation about his relationship with Kylian Mbappé at a press conference on Saturday evening ahead of France's Nations League fixture against Turkey in Bordeaux. The France manager dismissed recent reports of friction between them as unfounded.

"I don't understand it but it's not serious," Zidane said. "I have the relationship of a coach with his player and it's going perfectly. I can't prevent what people say, but it's nonsense. It's unfortunate and quite annoying."

Mbappé missed Thursday's 3-1 defeat to Italy due to a muscle problem but is expected to return to the starting lineup against Turkey. Zidane confirmed the captain would be available, saying "there is no problem, he will be with us tomorrow." The manager also confirmed that midfielder Désiré Doué, who lost a tooth in the match against Italy, is fit to play.