Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has been compelled to depart the French national team camp and return to Spain for medical assessment on a persistent ankle issue.
Injury Management Takes Priority
The 26-year-old forward, who recently scored twice and provided an assist in France's victory over Ukraine, is suffering from inflammation in his right ankle. This is not a new problem for the player, who also missed France's trip to Iceland in October for a similar reason.
The French Football Federation (FFF) released an official statement confirming Mbappe will undergo further examination in Madrid and consequently did not travel with the squad for their final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.
Record Chase Temporarily Paused
Mbappe's early exit comes at a poignant moment in his international career. With his brace against Ukraine, he took his tally for France to 55 goals, placing him just two strikes behind Olivier Giroud's all-time record of 57 for Les Bleus.
The match against Azerbaijan would have presented a prime opportunity to equal or surpass this landmark. Furthermore, those two goals also marked a significant personal milestone for Mbappe, representing his 400th career goal across all competitions for club and country.
Speaking after the Ukraine match, Mbappe reflected on his achievement with characteristic ambition. "Now, 400... it doesn't impress people," he said. "If you want to be in this circle that shocks people, you have to score another 400! Cristiano Ronaldo's 1,000 goals? That is unreal. But let's try the unreal. We have to try it, we only have one career."
Context and Team News
Despite the injury concern, there is optimism surrounding Mbappe's availability for Real Madrid's next La Liga fixture against Elche later this month. His return to Spain is seen as a precautionary measure, especially given that France has already secured top spot in their World Cup qualifying group.
Mbappe was not the only player to leave the squad. Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga also returned due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, while Manu Kone is suspended for the Azerbaijan match after receiving a yellow card against Ukraine.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Mbappe emphasised his commitment: "I had to be the best version of myself so that we could go to the World Cup. Last year was difficult for me in the national team, this season I had to show that the national team is important to me."
