Kylian Mbappe Misses France Training Due to Flu Ahead of Nations League Matches

Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team and a star forward for Real Madrid, missed a group training session at Clairefontaine because of flu symptoms. This setback comes just before France's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, putting early pressure on new coach Zinedine Zidane as he prepares the squad for tough away games.

Captain's Absence Affects Team Preparations

The illness kept Mbappe indoors during Tuesday’s training, preventing him from joining his teammates on the pitch. Official team sources confirmed that while the flu was mild, it stopped the 27-year-old leader from taking part in outdoor sessions. This disruption is particularly inconvenient as Mbappe is expected to lead France through an important phase under their new coach.

Zidane Faces First Major Test as France Manager

This camp represents Zidane's first significant challenge since taking charge after the 2026 World Cup. Despite a squad rich with talent, missing the all-time top World Cup scorer—who has netted 22 goals—complicates tactical plans. Still, the rest of the players continued drills outdoors, working to adapt to Zidane’s style.

Grueling Nations League Schedule Ahead

France have a busy schedule over the next two weeks. Their upcoming matches include:

• September 25: Away game against Turkey
• September 28: Away match versus Belgium
• October 2: Home fixture against Italy
• October 5: Home game facing Belgium again

With four intense fixtures in quick succession, the medical staff at Clairefontaine are focused on ensuring Mbappe recovers swiftly to be available for selection.

Focus on Recovery and Availability

The team's attention now shifts to how quickly Mbappe can bounce back. Since flu is common this season, doctors expect him to return to full training once symptoms subside. The final call about whether he will start or be rested will be made closer to the opening match in Turkey.