Kylian Mbappe sends out message on return to France squad as Didier Deschamps confirms Real Madrid star will captain Les Bleus for Nations League ties with Croatia

Mbappé, who was previously left out of the squad for the October and November international fixtures, has now been reinstated, putting to rest speculation about his involvement with the French national team. Deschamps had initially omitted the former Paris Saint-Germain star in October due to concerns over his fitness and then kept him out again in November, calling it a “one-off” decision.

Following questions about whether Mbappé would retain the captaincy upon his return, Deschamps provided clarity by confirming his role.

“I spoke with him, we had a discussion,” the French coach revealed. “He will be the captain.”

The forward also put up an Instagram story to celebrate his selection and wrote: "Back".

@k.mbappe Instagram

Mbappe reportedly had ankle issues and it was only after a late fitness test that he was allowed to start during the second leg of the round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Speaking about Mbappe's fitness, the manager stated: "I don't have any information today; he played 120 minutes on Wednesday. When you play matches every three days, to play without a problem... Sometimes I too prefer that a player doesn't train if it allows him to play afterwards. I hope the weekend's matches go well for the selected players. I don't have any information about having a problem."

Mbappé has netted 48 goals in 86 international appearances, putting him within touching distance of Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 goals. At the top of the charts remains Olivier Giroud, who is still nine goals ahead of Mbappé. Given his prolific scoring rate, the Real Madrid star could surpass both Henry and Giroud in the near future if he maintains his current form.

Les Bleus are gearing up for a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia. The first leg is set for March 20 at Poljud Stadium in Split, with the return fixture scheduled for March 23 at the Stade de France in Paris.