Kylian Mbappe Misses France Training Due to Flu Before Nations League Matches

Mbappe Absent from France Training with Flu Symptoms

Kylian Mbappe, the captain of France and forward for Real Madrid, missed group training at Clairefontaine after showing flu symptoms. The illness forced him indoors while the team prepared for important UEFA Nations League matches. This raises questions about his availability as France faces tough away games in the coming days.

Flu Sidelines Captain at Clairefontaine

At the French national team's training base near Paris, Mbappe could not join the outdoor pitch session on Tuesday. Official reports confirmed that the minor illness kept him confined to indoor exercises, disrupting preparations for the 27-year-old star. This comes as a setback since he is expected to lead France through a busy and critical period.

New Era for France Under Zidane

This camp is the first major challenge for new coach Zinedine Zidane since he took charge after the 2026 World Cup. Despite having a squad full of talent, Zidane’s tactical plans are complicated by Mbappe's temporary absence. The rest of the players continued training outdoors, getting familiar with Zidane’s approach.

Challenging Nations League Schedule Ahead

France has a tight schedule with four Nations League fixtures coming up. They travel to Turkey on September 25, then face Belgium three days later. Following these away games, they return home to play Italy on October 2 and Belgium again on October 5. With so many matches in quick succession, the medical staff at Clairefontaine are focused on helping Mbappe recover in time.

Focus Shifts to Recovery and Availability

The team now watches Mbappe's recovery closely as they prepare to leave Clairefontaine. Since the flu is common and expected to clear, the medical team hopes he will return to full training soon. The final decision on whether he will start in Turkey or be rested will come closer to the match day.

• UEFA Nations League Fixtures:
• September 25, 2026: Turkey vs France at 21:45
• October 2, 2026: France vs Italy
• October 5, 2026: France vs Belgium