France’s narrow 1-0 win in Turkey brought an immediate concern for Kylian Mbappé, who left the field moments after scoring the decisive goal on Friday with an injury to his left knee.
The 27-year-old struck with his right foot but appeared to hurt the supporting knee, the same left knee that caused him physical problems during the previous season. His reaction after the finish suggested the issue was serious enough to end his night early.
Zinedine Zidane initially confirmed the concern, before the French Football Federation announced that Mbappé had sustained a tendon injury and would take no further part in the international camp. The federation wished the forward a swift recovery in its medical update.
France fixtures ruled out
Mbappé will therefore miss France’s two upcoming matches against Belgium as well as the meeting with Italy. He is expected to return to Madrid for additional examinations before beginning his rehabilitation programme.
The length of his absence has not yet been established, but the timing is unwelcome ahead of a crowded October for José Mourinho’s team. Villarreal, Sevilla and Leipzig are due to visit, while trips to Roma and Barcelona also await.
Barcelona away is scheduled for 25 October, when El Clásico will provide one of the defining fixtures of the month. The assessment in Madrid will determine whether Mbappé can be involved in that demanding run.
