Zinédine Zidane decides not to replace Kylian Mbappé

The sentence has fallen. Before leaving for Brussels this Saturday to prepare for the meeting against Belgium on Monday, Zinédine Zidane decided not to replace Kylian Mbappé. Hit in the knee, the captain of the France team returns to Madrid and nothing will make up for his absence. A choice that raises questions on the part of the new coach, with three matches to come over a week. Belgium on Monday, then Italy next Friday and the Red Devils again the following Monday at the Stade de France.

“After discussions last night between the medical staff of the Blues and Real, Kylian Mbappé, injured, left the hotel this morning, announces the communication from the selection. He is therefore at the entire disposal of his club. He will not be replaced.” With the big program to come, reinforcement was expected. In vain. However, the options were possible (Thuram, Nkunku, Diaby, Pagis, Tel) with different profiles. But the management of the Blues decided otherwise.

Only five blue attackers left for three matches

For the next three meetings, if Zidane follows his initial wishes (see Cherki and Akliouche in midfield), the coach therefore has five internationals for three offensive places at his disposal. Dembélé and Lepaul in the axis, Olise on the right, and Barcola-Doué who can play on both sides. This Saturday, the French team, which does not return to Clairefontaine, will train behind closed doors at the Union Saint-Gilloise training center at 7 p.m.