Deschamps drops Kylian Mbappe from France squad for Israel and Italy matches

Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe has been dropped for France’s Nations League fixtures against Italy and Israel this month.

The 25-year-old controversially asked to be left out of the October international games. However, head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed he has axed his captain.

Deschamps said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I had discussions with Kylian and made my decision. It’s better this way. Mbappe wanted to come with us. It’s not because of any other problem.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker has come under fire for his recent performances for Los Blancos.

He was offside a staggering eight times in the clash with arch-rivals Barcelona while missing two big chances, and his overall showing was not up to par as they lost 4-0.

There was no visible improvement in the 3-1 loss against AC Milan. CBS pundit Thierry Henry criticised his lack of application in the game and demanded more from him.

Mbappe’s move to Madrid has already turned sour after only a few months, He is struggling to fit in as a centre-forward – a problem the entire football community, except Florentino Perez, anticipated.

He prefers to play on the left side, where Vinicius Jr has the starting berth, and it will be hard to usurp that position from the Brazilian. Rodrygo is waiting in the wings for his chance at that left flank.

Madrid’s attack is lopsided, with manager Carlo Ancelotti trying to fit square pegs into round holes.

Mbappe has seemingly grown frustrated at being played out of position, but he has no one but himself to blame. This was always going to be a conundrum, and he must improve.