Kylian Mbappe has left the France squad and returned to Real Madrid with a knee injury. He picked up the problem while scoring the only goal in France’s 1-0 win over Turkey in the Nations League. The match was Zinedine Zidane’s first in charge of France.
Mbappe scored in the 67th minute with his right foot. As he shot, his left leg planted awkwardly on a pitch that had been criticised for its poor condition. He tried to celebrate but soon looked in serious discomfort. He held his knee and then went down on the turf. He was limping when he came off.
Zidane did not hide his concern. He said Mbappe is not OK and it does not look good. He said Mbappe will have to go home. Zidane said they will not take risks. He said Mbappe overextended his knee while shooting. He added that it is not encouraging for him to carry on. Mbappe will miss France’s next games against Belgium and Italy.
The French Football Federation later confirmed the injury. It said Mbappe has a tendon injury in his left knee. He will return to Madrid for treatment. The injury is a worry for Real Madrid, who have a busy schedule ahead.
Kylian Mbappe Leaves France Squad With Knee Injury After Scoring Against Turkey
Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France coach ended in a 1-0 win over Turkey. The game was played in Izmit. Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal in the 56th minute. He received a pass from Michael Olise and shot past the Turkish goalkeeper.
But Mbappe had to leave the field soon after with a knee injury. France then controlled the game. Turkey’s chances got worse when their goalkeeper was sent off in the 87th minute. He handled the ball outside the box. Turkey still pushed for an equaliser, but France held on.
After the match, Ousmane Dembele spoke to TF1. He said it was a win on a tricky pitch. He said France played well overall. He thought they could have scored more. He said playing in Turkey in a lively stadium was not easy. He said the team worked hard all week and was happy with the three points. Dembele took over as captain after Mbappe left the field.
In the same group, Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in Rome. It was Mark van Bommel’s first game as Belgium coach. Mika Godts scored first in the first half. Dodi Lukebakio scored the second in the 69th minute. Van Bommel replaced Rudi Garcia, who led Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Zidane said he expects more attention when the team returns to France. He said it does not annoy him. He said he is not looking for attention. He just wants to do his job with the players and help them win matches.
In the Nations League, the top two teams from each of the four groups in League A go to the last eight in March. The semi-finals are on 9 and 10 June 2027. The final is on 13 June.
Zinedine Zidane’s France Era Begins With a Win
Zinedine Zidane began his time as France coach with a 1-0 win over Turkey in the Nations League on Friday. It was his first match in charge since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The game was not a dominant performance, but it was a winning start. France got the job done away from home against a determined Turkey side.
Zidane had hinted before the match that he might play Mbappe on the left. He did exactly that. Mbappe started wide on the left, with Ousmane Dembele leading the line. Dembele played through the middle for Paris Saint-Germain and has won back-to-back Champions League titles there.
During the World Cup, Dembele was on the right and Olise was the central creator. Zidane changed that in his first game. Mbappe often drifts to the left anyway, so this gave him a familiar role. He became more of a crosser than a finisher. How Zidane copes without Mbappe in the next matches will be important.
One of Zidane’s boldest choices was starting Rayan Cherki. The Manchester City playmaker had been used mainly as a substitute at the 2026 World Cup. He only started the third-place match against England. Against Turkey, Zidane put Cherki in the starting XI as the attacking midfielder. Olise played to his right. That was a gamble because Olise had been excellent as a central creator at the World Cup, leading the tournament with seven assists. But Zidane seems to want his most creative players on the pitch together.
Cherki has started the season well for Manchester City. He has six goal contributions in his first seven games. France looked most dangerous when Cherki and Olise combined. France won, but they were far from their best. Zidane will need time to shape the team. The win is a positive first step. The bigger tests will come soon.
FAQs
Q. What injury did Kylian Mbappe suffer?
A. Mbappe suffered a knee hyperextension and tendon injury.
Q. When did Mbappe get injured?
A. Mbappe was injured while scoring against Turkey.
Q. Will Mbappe play France’s next games?
A. No, Mbappe will miss the games against Belgium and Italy.
Q. Who scored France’s only goal against Turkey?
A. Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal.
Q. When is France’s next game against Italy?
A. France will face Italy on October 2.
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