Deschamps rejects Mbappe but says it was ‘one-off’ and not linked to rape allegations

8 November – It may seem almost impossible, but Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the France squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Israel and Italy, despite being fit.

French coach Didier Deschamps insists the decision was a “one-off” and “for the best”.

The Real Madrid star was rested for last month’s matches to help him recover from a minor thigh injury. But it quickly became a source of controversy days later when France returned to the field for Real without having even played.

“I talked to him and made the decision to meet because I think it’s for the best,” Deschamps told reporters. “This is a one-time choice.”

“I won’t lay out my argument, but I can say two things. The first was that Kylian wanted to come. The second is that it has nothing to do with off-field issues since there is a presumption of innocence.”

Deschamps referred to the news that Mbappe, who scored 48 goals in 86 matches with France, launched an investigation in Sweden for alleged rape.

Mbappe, who transferred from Paris St-Germain to Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, has been struggling for form since his transfer to the Bernabeu.

He scored 8 goals in 15 matches, but only 1 goal in his last 5 matches. Real, who won both the Champions League and La Liga last season, lost 4-0 to their rivals Barcelona last month and fell nine points behind the Catalan team in the league.

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