Sports
Mbappe to Undergo Ankle Tests as France Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers
France captain Kylian Mbappe will undergo medical examinations on his right ankle as he joins the national team camp for the latest round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, according to head coach Didier Deschamps.
The 25-year-old forward picked up a minor knock during Real Madrid’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Villarreal on Saturday, sparking concerns over his availability for France’s upcoming matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland.
“I spoke with Kylian, he had a small niggle but it’s not serious, otherwise he wouldn’t be here today,” Deschamps told reporters at Clairefontaine, the French national team’s training base near Paris.
“We will take the time with the medical staff to assess the situation and then see how it develops,” he added.
Deschamps noted that he expects an update once players have arrived and undergone routine checks.
“I don’t have any further information at this stage as the players will be arriving around 4pm (1400 GMT), so we’ll take stock then as usual,” he said.
In addition to Mbappe, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will also undergo medical tests after picking up an injury during his team’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
France currently sit top of their qualifying group with two wins from two matches. Les Bleus will host Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes on Friday before travelling to Iceland three days later.
