Deschamps announces reinforcement: Mbappé returns for France in Nations League Quarterfinals

Kylian Mbappé is set to return to the French national team after missing previous matches.

The 26-year-old forward will rejoin the squad for the Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia in March, as confirmed by France’s head coach Didier Deschamps on Friday.

Mbappé, who has earned 86 caps for France, was not included in the lineup for the October and November Nations League matches following his move to Real Madrid in July.

“Of course, he will be there. Why wouldn’t he be?” Deschamps said in an interview with French sports newspaper L’Equipe.

“He is very attached to the French team, even though he’s had a challenging period. He has returned to full fitness, and you can see it both in his play and his mindset.”

With an increasing number of fixtures, the football calendar is becoming more demanding for players, including Mbappé. However, in December, he confirmed that his commitment to the French national team remains unchanged.

Deschamps pointed to Mbappé’s adaptation period with Real Madrid as one of the reasons for his absence during the international break.

“There was very little free time, lack of preparation, six tough months in Paris, back pain, and a broken nose during EURO. All these factors had an impact, not to mention his adjustment to Madrid,” Deschamps explained.

When asked if Mbappé’s absences would affect his leadership role, Deschamps responded, “There are ongoing discussions, whether personally or within the team, and his absence does not threaten his leadership position.”

Last month, the French Football Federation (FFF) told Reuters that Deschamps, who is the longest-serving coach of the French national team, would not seek to extend his contract, which expires in 2026.

FFF President Philippe Diallo said it is too early to name a successor, and Deschamps expressed his hope that Zinedine Zidane would replace him.

“Zizou is a strong, natural candidate, and I must add, an expected one. After that, it will depend on him and the president,” Deschamps said.