How Kylian Mbappé made the most of the November international break

Kylian Mbappe, 25, had an unexpected few days of rest during the international break as France boss Didier Deschamps decided not to call up the Real Madrid centre-forward for France's final Nations League group stage matches against Israel and Italy. For the second consecutive international breakthrough, Mbappé was nowhere to be seen at Clairefontaine. Unlike in October, when he flew to Stockholm, Mbappé had a much quieter time off the pitch.

Unveiling of L'Equipe Mbappé has made the most of November's international break to recharge his mental and physical batteries. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said in particular that Mbappe, whose status as France captain is in doubt, has improved “his physical condition”. The Italian head coach also added that “from what he shows, Mbappé doesn't seem to have any mental problems. He seems happy to be here. Speculating on these kinds of issues is a bit ugly.”

The outlet understands that physical work was slightly more extensive than normal during training at Real Madrid's Valdebebas center from Monday to Thursday last week. Mbappe also spent an afternoon go-karting with former Real Madrid attacking midfielder Eden Hazard, with the former Belgium international guiding Mbappe to second place in a race. On Sunday, November 10, Mbappé returned to Paris to reunite with two former PSG teammates, Achraf Hakimi and Arnau Tenas, to play padel.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval