The striker injured his ankle during this match, which will prevent him from participating in the Blues’ final World Cup qualifying match against Azerbaijan.
This is the second consecutive international break where Mbappé has withdrawn due to injury, but some doubt the 26-year-old’s sincerity. Former footballer Jérôme Rothen has clearly expressed his skepticism, as reported by RMC Sport (via Sport).
“In the 80th minute, when the score was 4-0, we were all wondering how long it would be before an injury, however supposed, occurred. Mbappé is the captain of the France team, he gets preferential treatment and that seems good to me. But he is surrounded by teammates who play as many, if not more, games than him every year. Do you think they are not tired and would prefer to avoid this low-stakes match in Baku? Yes, but they will go because they have no choice. »
Rothen also thinks that this “favorable treatment” from which Mbappé benefits is poorly perceived by his teammates in the selection.
“You are trying to create a scandal where there is none. »
“They qualified, so far so good, but when the going gets tough… Decisions like these can create tension in the dressing room, and I’m convinced that some players are fed up with this special treatment.”
Emmanuel Petit defends Mbappé.
However, another former French international, Emmanuel Petit, defended Mbappé during this debate, accusing Rothen of making up a story for nothing.
“I criticized him last year for not going to Sweden, but now you are trying to create a scandal where there is none. Even if it upsets someone in the locker room, we’re talking about the best player on the entire team. »
