Mbappe out of San Siro clash as Zidane chooses caution
A hamstring problem rules the France captain out of Thursday’s Nations League match against Italy
France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Thursday’s Nations League match against Italy in Milan because of discomfort in his hamstring, coach Zinedine Zidane said Wednesday.
“He will miss Thursday’s match,” Zidane told a news conference. “He felt some slight pain, and we will take no risks at all. It is always a pity to lose players, but that is part of the game.”
Zidane said he expects his captain to return for Sunday’s match against Turkey in Bordeaux.
“I hope the injury is not serious and that we can count on him on Sunday,” Zidane said. “It is only a slight discomfort, and I think he will be ready.”
A joke that came true
Italy coach Roberto Mancini had joked earlier Wednesday that Zidane should rest Mbappe for the match in Milan. Hours later, the France coach confirmed the absence.
Mbappe is France’s record scorer, with 67 goals in 107 matches. He remained under medical care Wednesday, and his place against Turkey depends on his recovery.
A lead that still needs defending
France leads Group 1 with 10 points from four matches, after three wins and one draw. That record puts the team in a good position to reach the quarterfinals with two rounds left.
Italy is second with seven points, and Belgium is third with six. Turkey is last in the group.
Mancini said few people expected Italy to compete with France for first place. He said he hopes to give the fans “something to celebrate” and to end Italy’s poor run at San Siro.
In the final round, Italy plays away to Belgium, and France hosts Turkey in Bordeaux.
Dr. Talal Othman, General Manager, GCC Sport
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