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Deschamps explains reasoning behind Mbappe France release

France boss Didier Deschamps has doubled down on his decision to allow Kylian Mbappe to leave the squad early, saying there was no need to take any “risks” with the forward’s fitness after he fired his country to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid star pulled out of his side’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in Thursday’s win over Ukraine.

K. MbappeFrance
France v Ukraine - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Mbappe told he is causing issues with France 'special treatment'

Former France international Jerome Rothen has claimed Kylian Mbappe receives “special treatment” which will “cause problems” with his team-mates should they hit a poor run of form. The Real Madrid forward withdrew from Les Blues’ squad ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan after picking up an ankle injury in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.

K. MbappeFrance
France ratings 2025

Mbappe stars in routine France win but late injury causes concern

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

K. MbappeFrance

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Frequently asked questions

Blackburn Rovers were founded in 1875, following a meeting that took place between two men of the Shrewsbury School. Blackburn Rovers are among the founding members of the Football League, the oldest football league in the world.

Blackburn Rovers are owned by Venky's, an Indian poultry company which is part of the V H Group.

Blackburn Rovers played their games at four grounds – Oozehead Ground, Pleasington Cricket Ground, Alexandra Meadows, Leamington Road – before making a permanent shift to Ewood Park in 1890.

Ewood Park has a capacity of 31,367. In 1913, a double-tiered Riverside Stand saw the capacity exceed the 70,000-mark.

Blackburn Rovers have won 10 trophies in total - three first division titles, six FA Cups, and one League Cup.

Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.

Blackburn Rovers have won three English top-flight titles, with only one league triumph in the Premier League era (1994-95).

Derek Fazackerley is Blackburn Rovers' all-time leading appearance maker in club history, featuring in 671 games in an 18-year span for the club.

Blackburn Rovers' leading goalscorer of all-time is former English striker Simon Garner, who netted 194 goals in a 14-year stint at the club.

David Raya, Bob Crompton, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Simon Garner, Brad Freidel, Roque Santa Cruz, and David Dunn are some of the most famous players to have represented Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn Rovers are nicknamed The Riversiders, a reference to one of the stands at Ewood Park, the Riverside Stand, being adjacent to a river.

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