France boss Didier Deschamps has reiterated his stance on Kylian Mbappe's international future.
Deschamps confirmed his call not to include Mbappe in his squad for Les Bleus' UEFA Nations League matches this month after missing the October window due to fitness issues.
The omission once again caused a stir, as Deschamps explained after it was announced to the team that he decided not to call up his captain following a conversation with the Real Madrid star.
That has reignited the debate over Mbappe's long-term commitment to France after taking the captaincy in 2023.
Deschamps has also tried to reduce the excessive focus on his talisman so that the focus can diminish when he returns in 2025.
Ahead of tomorrow's clash with Italy, Deschamps faced questions over his absent captain and redoubled his confidence in Mbappe.
“There is no reason to think he won't return to his best. I want him to do that and I don't see why he won't,” said an interview by Telefoot, via Diario AS.
“He is going through a difficult period, but he has everything to return to his best form.
“You're telling me I'm crazy because I played him as a striker but his last two coaches at club level played him at center. He doesn't have the profile of Olivier Giroud, so it depends on which team you're playing against.”
France can secure top spot in League A Group 2 if they win in Milan but have already qualified for the quarter-finals.
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