Kylian Mbappé left the France versus Turkey Nations League match after reporting pain in his left knee, the French federation said on Monday.
Match facts
The game, the opening fixture of the Nations League, also marked Zinedine Zidane’s debut as France coach. Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, scored for France before withdrawing.
Injury details and response
The federation released a statement confirming the forward exited the squad’s camp and returned to Spain for medical assessment. Doctors described the problem as a “tendinous” issue affecting the left knee. No further specifics on severity were provided.
Analysis
Mbappé’s injury comes as France begins a new coaching era under Zidane, raising concerns about squad depth ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Real Madrid will monitor his condition closely, given his role in both club and country. The tendinous nature suggests a soft‑tissue strain rather than a ligament tear, which could mean a shorter recovery period, but definitive timelines are pending further tests.
Outlook
France will assess Mbappé’s fitness before the next international window. Watch for updates from the French federation and Real Madrid on his rehabilitation schedule. The team’s performance without him in the next match will indicate how quickly they can adapt.