Paris St Germain star Kylian Mbappe will not take part in Monday’s Euro 2024 World Cup qualifier against Iceland. The French Football Federation (FFF) ruled the star forward out after it was confirmed he has re-injured his previously troublesome right ankle. He further injured the injury during Friday’s game against Azerbaijan.
In that game, France went on to a 3-0 win, moving within two wins of qualifying automatically for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. And then came Mbappe’s wonderful goal just before half-time. He ended up on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from Azerbaijani defender Rustam Ahmedzade late in the match. He was later subbed out for Florian Thauvin because of intense pain in his ankle.
The FFF stated that Mbappe “will not be able to play Monday against Iceland” and has since been released to his club, Real Madrid. The federation later announced that he would not be replaced on the team. This decision joins an ever-growing list of forwards unavailable for the October qualifiers.
Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national team, recognized the extent of Mbappe’s absence. He noted, “He has a sore ankle and he took a knock there. He preferred to come off; the pain was quite significant.” Mbappe had already missed three days of training this week as a precaution following fears over his fitness. Now this injury casts further doubt on his status.
Despite these setbacks, Deschamps’s men remain unbeaten after three games and currently sit at the top of Group D in the qualifying round. The American team will have to try to replicate their best form against Iceland, that’s in the air with their best forward.
