Can France afford to lose its star? Zinedine Zidane voiced clear worries about Kylian Mbappe’s condition after the captain limped off with a knee injury in Friday’s 1‑0 victory over Turkey, the new boss’s debut with Les Bleus.
“Unfortunately, the outlook isn’t good. I think he’ll have to head back to Madrid. We won’t gamble on his knee after a hyper‑extension from the clash. It’s far from reassuring,” Zidane told TF1.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 54th minute after Michael Olise’s assist, but his celebration turned to pain as he clutched his left knee. He attempted to stay on, yet clearly struggled, prompting Zidane to pull him out in the 59th minute and bring on Desire Doué.
Zidane’s blunt take leaves little doubt that medical scans will deliver unwelcome news, with the captain exiting the camp for further checks in Madrid. For my money, the coach’s caution is exactly what France needs now.
The timing couldn’t be harsher for Zidane, already coping with Ibrahima Konaté’s training setback and the precautionary absences of Aurelien Tchouaméni and Marcus Thuram.
Cristiano Ronaldo still playing at 41, a milestone Mbappé can’t yet picture.
France will need a new hero to navigate the coming weeks.
France must forge ahead without Mbappe, who is heading back to Madrid, as they prepare for a clash with Belgium on September 28, just three days after the Turkey win.
That fixture kicks off a series that also pits France against Italy on October 2 and a return duel with Belgium on October 5, all within a single international window, forcing Les Bleus to cope without their talisman.