Kylian Mbappe limped off the pitch late on during France’s clash with Azerbaijan and will now miss Les Bleus’ World Cup qualifier with Iceland after he was sent back to Real Madrid to recover. Mbappe scored a stunner at the Parc des Princes, but scenes towards the end left fans of Real Madrid and France waiting anxiously for test result updates on the injured ankle.
Ankle injury to blame for exit
Mbappe’s participation in Friday evening’s clash with Azerbaijan had been hanging in the balance due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous match for Real Madrid against Villarreal. He suffered another ankle knock in the World Cup qualifier and was substituted in the 83rd minute.
A statement from the French Football Federation read: "Upon the French delegation's return to Clairefontaine, the French team captain spoke with Didier Deschamps. The national coach has confirmed his absence. Kylian Mbappe has been released to his club and will not be replaced."
AdvertisementAFPMbappe’s remarkable scoring run
Mbappe is currently enjoying a remarkable scoring run, having scored in his last 10 consecutive matches for both club and country. His recent scoring streak includes goals against Ukraine, Real Sociedad, Kairat, and Espanyol, with Mbappe hitting the net in multiple competitions.
He broke the deadlock in France's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Azerbaijan on Friday night with his 17th goal in 13 appearances for club and country this season, which also marked his 53rd international goal for France, meaning he is now only four goals away from Olivier Giroud's record as Les Bleus' all-time top scorer. But Mbappe has some way to go to match the record of consecutive goals in LaLiga matches, a title which is held by the legendary Lionel Messi, who bagged in an incredible 21 matches in a row, scoring 33 goals in the process during the 2012-13 season.
Initial test results look positive
Following news of his return to the Spanish capital, there was a positive update from renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano. Romano said: "Kylian Mbappe completed tests this morning and his ankle injury’s not seen as serious/worrying. Real Madrid staff expect Mbappe to be available for the upcoming week."
AFPFree-wheeler with world at his (fast) feet
France coach Deschamps spoke at length about Mbappe’s impact and lauded his contributions during the press conference before their clash against Azerbaijan and Iceland. "He's a central striker. The range of abilities depends on the system. With us, he has freedom, like most strikers. In the centre, there are fewer constraints, especially defensively. He has legs of fire, he's confident, and his head is also fine. He exudes a lot of power and speed, and that's where he makes even more of a difference. He's totally committed to us, he fully assumes his role as captain and his responsibility towards the group. We can always do better. He's a central striker who likes to have freedom and participate in the game."
France are sitting pretty at the top of their World Cup qualification group, and should still be able to see off Iceland on Monday, despite the mountain of injuries. And Mbappe is expected to be fit for Real’s next match, an away trip to Getafe on Sunday the 19th.
Real have enjoyed a strong start to the season and currently sit top of La Liga, with seven wins and just one defeat from their first eight games; they sit two points clear of Barcelona. They have also won their two opening Champions League fixtures as they continue to pursue European glory. They have not won the Champions League since 2024.