AFPRevealed: Why Kylian Mbappe has suddenly been removed from France squad as captain returns to Real Madrid
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
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Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
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AFPWhat reoccurring issue is Mbappe facing?
Mbappe’s ankle issue is not new. He missed France’s second October fixture with the same inflammation and has been managing flare-ups for several weeks. Although he played the full match against Ukraine, the symptoms intensified afterwards, prompting concern among both Deschamps’ staff and Madrid’s medical team.
Despite the sudden nature of his departure, the FFF insists there is no major injury, only recurring irritation that increases with workload. Madrid, preparing for league and Champions League commitments after the break, preferred to examine him immediately.
Los Blancos expect Mbappe to be available after the break, barring any new findings. El Desmarque in Spain reports that there are no signs of a serious issue but further tests are expected.
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AFPWhat's ahead for France and Madrid?
France will finish their qualifying campaign without Mbappe, but with their place in the 2026 World Cup already secured by topping the group with 13 points, the situation is manageable. Deschamps will use the Azerbaijan match to rotate, evaluate depth and give opportunities to players who have shown progress, including Ekitike and Thuram.
For Los Blancos, the timing is sensitive but not alarming. Mbappe remains their leading scorer and the top scorer in La Liga this season, while Camavinga has become increasingly influential under Xabi Alonso. Both are central to Madrid’s plans as the club prepares for a dense calendar of league and European fixtures.
Medical updates from Spain indicate that neither player is carrying a serious injury. Mbappe will not undergo extensive testing unless symptoms worsen. Their return, alongside recovering teammate Thibaut Courtois puts Madrid in a strong position when they resume their season.
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