Kylian Mbappé risks being left out of France's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. The Real Madrid forward sustained an ankle contusion in Saturday's La Liga match against Villarreal (3:1) and has been working away from the main group for two days. The injury is not classified as serious, but Les Bleus' medical staff advises against rushing the leader's return.
Forward's Status and Medical Recommendations
Following a collision in the league match, Mbappé was diagnosed with a painful contusion that forced him to miss two consecutive national-team training sessions. The medical and coaching staff are considering a load-management plan to eliminate the risk of aggravation ahead of a congested international window.
Decision on the Squad — Today
The final decision on including Mbappé in the squad for Friday's match against Azerbaijan is expected shortly. The priority is the player's functional readiness and the absence of pain when performing game-specific actions: accelerations, sharp changes of direction, and striking the ball.
France's Schedule: Iceland Up Next
In addition to the meeting with Azerbaijan, France will face Iceland on October 13. Managing the minutes of the leaders across this two-match block is a key task for the staff, given the fight for qualification points and the need to keep the attacking line in rhythm.
Defensive Concerns: Ibrahima Konaté a Doubt
A similar uncertainty remains regarding Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté: his availability for the upcoming matches is also in doubt. Depending on the pace of his recovery, the coaches may adjust the defensive structure and the rotation of the centre-backs.
Why Caution Is Warranted
The national team has sufficient squad depth to take a cautious approach to the recovery of key performers. A protective program for Mbappé and Konaté reduces the risk of relapse, while sensible rotation should help France maintain a balance between results and the health of their leaders over the course of qualifying.
