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France have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their pivotal UEFA Nations League encounter against Italy, with captain Kylian Mbappe officially ruled out of the trip to Milan. The Real Madrid forward failed to participate in Wednesday's training session after reporting a muscular issue, forcing Les Bleus to alter their attacking plans for the high-stakes clash at San Siro.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has selected Barcelona forward Raphinha to wear the captain's armband for Saturday's international friendly against Japan in Singapore. The 29-year-old was chosen ahead of Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes after regular skipper Marquinhos missed out through injury.

Emile Heskey, the former Liverpool and England striker, believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Bayern Munich could represent a good step in his career, given the decline in his appearances with Real Madrid, pointing out that the attacking qualities possessed by the English full-back outweigh, in his view, the criticism directed at his defensive abilities.

Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has offered a fascinating glimpse into his private life, revealing that he originally had no interest in becoming a professional footballer. The England international also discussed the significant mental toll that comes with competing at the highest level of the European game.