Mbappé–Zidane Rift Deepens as Hamstring Issue Threatens Italy Clash
Kylian Mbappé is set to miss France's game against Italy with a hamstring problem, as reports point to a growing rift with Zidane and isolation in the squad.
Trouble is brewing in the France camp. According to French media, including L'Équipe and Foot Mercato, the relationship between captain Kylian Mbappé and head coach Zinedine Zidane has become far more strained than it ever was under Didier Deschamps. The reports come amid separate talk of a falling-out between Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Tactical disagreements with Zidane
Mbappé is said to have struggled to understand some of Zidane's tactical calls, notably being deployed on the left flank against Turkey. The pair reportedly barely spoke to each other during the most recent training camp. Zidane, aware of the situation, is now said to be looking to clear the air and rebuild his relationship with his captain before things escalate further.
The situation with Dembélé appears no better. Dembélé reportedly did not reply to a WhatsApp message Mbappé sent in an attempt to patch things up. At the World Cup, Dembélé, Thuram and Rayan Cherki were part of Mbappé's inner circle, and the Real Madrid star now faces the task of reuniting the dressing room and rebuilding his bonds with team-mates.
Hamstring problem rules him out
On top of the off-field tension, L'Équipe reports that Mbappé is almost certain to miss France's upcoming match against Italy because of a hamstring issue, forcing Zidane to reshape his attack for the fixture.
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