The French team begins a capital week on the road to the 2026 World Cup. Gathered since Monday in Clairefontaine, the Blues are preparing their next two qualification games against Azerbaijan (Friday October 10) and Iceland (Monday October 13). But all discussions converge on a single subject: Kylian Mbappé's state of health. Released at the end of the match during the Real Madrid victory against Villarreal, the tricolor striker aroused the concern of a whole country a few days of important deadlines.
A rather reassuring trend according to Deschamps
Present at a press conference this Monday, Didier Deschamps wanted to be measured but reassuring about the situation of his captain.
“I exchanged with him. He is there, he had a little concern that is not unacceptable, otherwise he would not come today ”,
explained the coach, confirming that the presence of Mbappé at the rally was not called into question. The medical staff must now refine its diagnosis, but the first signals are positive: the injury is described as a slight spraining of the right ankle, without major gravity. A favorable development that suggests participation in the two games, even if its playing time could be adapted.
Deschamps, careful, however, refuses to precipitate things.
“We will take the time to take stock with the medical staff then we will see the evolution”he insisted. This choice of delay is explained by the context: the season is just beginning, and France needs its captain over time. The idea would therefore be not to spare it completely or push it too quickly, even if it means considering a progressive entry into play against Azerbaijan, before a more important role against Iceland. The Federation also remains in close contact with Real Madrid, which closely monitors the recovery of its star player.
A symbolic issue for Mbappé
Beyond the medical aspect, these two meetings have a symbolic significance for Mbappé. Already a second top scorer in the history of the Blues with 52 achievements, he could get closer to Olivier Giroud (57 goals) if he finds the net this week. During the previous truce, he had scored in the two games, confirming his role as an offensive engine. For Deschamps, seeing it in the field, even 80 %, remains a major asset, as its influence goes beyond the register of statistics.
Pending the final conclusions of the exams, scheduled for the coming hours, the watchword remains caution. Mbappé will participate in the first reduced training sessions before a final decision on Tuesday on its possible tenure. Nothing has yet been frozen, but the trend is clear: except last minute medical contraindication, the captain of the Blues should well be in the game. It remains to be seen in what role and with what intensity. One thing is certain, all of France retains its breath before this double crucial meeting on the road to the World Cup.
