Kylian Mbappe Excluded From the French National Team

Kylian Mbappé, once seen as the future of football, has recently hit a bump in the road. In his El Clásico debut, Mbappé struggled to make an impact and was caught offside a record-tying eight times—a La Liga record since 2009. Now, with French national team coach Didier Deschamps deciding to leave him out of the next two games, Mbappé faces a moment to regroup and refocus.

Mbappé’s performance in the 2024 Nations League has been notably impacted by his recent exclusions from the French national team. He has missed the last four matches for France, including two games in October against Israel and Belgium, and will also miss the upcoming fixtures against Israel on November 14 and Italy on November 17. His recent performances since joining Real Madrid have drawn mixed reviews, with only one goal in his last six games for the club, raising questions about his impact in high-stakes matches.

Coach Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé, who captains the national team, won’t play in the upcoming Nations League matches. While Deschamps didn’t specify whether injury was a factor, he shared that the decision was made in consultation with Mbappé, feeling it was the right move for the team.

The timing of Mbappé’s exclusion is significant for France. Currently trailing in their Nations League group, the team is under pressure to regain momentum. Missing Mbappé could present a challenge, though it also gives the squad a chance to adapt and experiment with different combinations on the field.

France will face Israel on November 14 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by a November 17 match against Italy at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan. Both matches will be crucial for France as they strive to improve their standing in the Nations League.

Impact on the Sports Betting Market

Historically, teams with key players absent tend to perform differently, a factor bettors closely monitor. The French national team is currently second in their Nations League group, trailing Italy by one point, which heightens the stakes of their upcoming matches. Mbappé’s absence could impact team dynamics and overall performance, prompting bettors to adjust their strategies accordingly.

With Kylian sidelined, other players will need to step up for France, which could shift prop bets related to individual performances. Bettors strategies might look to wager on players like Ousmane Dembélé or Randal Kolo Muani, who are likely to take on more prominent roles in Mbappé’s absence. Changes in player contributions could present opportunities for keen observers looking to capitalize on the altered team setup.

For Mbappé, this period of rest—or regrouping—could be an opportunity to reassess and refocus. With plenty of season left, he still has time to make a strong comeback for both Real Madrid and the French national team. This moment, though unexpected, may ultimately prove valuable for both the player and his teams as they look toward the challenges that lie ahead.