Kylian Mbappé has been recalled to the France national team for the upcoming Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia. After missing the last two international breaks, the Real Madrid forward is set to lead the team as captain in this crucial matchup.

Key Takeaways

  • Kylian Mbappé returns to the France squad after being omitted for previous matches due to fitness concerns.
  • He will captain the team in the quarterfinals against Croatia, with the first leg scheduled for March 20 in Split.
  • Coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Mbappé’s captaincy and expressed confidence in his fitness.
  • The squad also includes 19-year-old Désiré Doué, marking his first call-up to the national team.

Mbappé’s Return to the Squad

Kylian Mbappé’s absence from the France squad has raised questions over the past months. The 26-year-old forward was left out of the Nations League matches against Israel and Italy last November due to concerns about his physical and mental state. Coach Didier Deschamps stated, "It’s better that way," indicating that the decision was made with Mbappé’s well-being in mind.

Despite these omissions, Mbappé has been active with Real Madrid, showcasing his skills in club competitions. He last played for the national team on September 9 against Belgium, where he made a significant impact.

Captaincy Confirmed

In a recent press conference, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé will retain the captaincy for the upcoming matches against Croatia. "I spoke to him, I discussed it with him. He will be captain," Deschamps stated, emphasizing the importance of Mbappé’s leadership on the field.

Upcoming Matches

The Nations League quarterfinals will feature two legs:

  1. First Leg: March 20, 2025, in Split, Croatia.
  2. Return Leg: March 23, 2025, at the Stade de France, Paris.
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Squad Highlights

In addition to Mbappé, the squad includes several notable players:

  • Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens), Lucas Chevalier (Lille).
  • Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
  • Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille).
  • Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), and the debutant Désiré Doué (PSG).

New Faces in the Squad

Désiré Doué, a promising 19-year-old winger from Paris Saint-Germain, has earned his first call-up to the national team. Deschamps praised Doué’s recent performances, particularly his contributions in the Champions League, stating, "He’s a very young player but he’s a very interesting one for us."

Conclusion

Kylian Mbappé’s return to the France squad as captain is a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, France aims to advance further in the tournament and reclaim their status as one of the top teams in international football.

Sources

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