Injury robs Mbappe of the chance to face Ronaldo again as France striker sits out Portugal clash

Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of France’s UEFA Nations League clash with Portugal through injury, with the Paris Saint-Germain striker being denied the chance to face Cristiano Ronaldo again.

The 21-year-old forward has been nursing a hamstring complaint since taking in a Ligue 1 outing against Nantes on October 31.

He was replaced after 74 minutes of that contest and has not been seen since – sitting out PSG’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig and a domestic victory over Rennes.

Despite being short of minutes and fitness, Didier Deschamps still elected to add Mbappe to his squad for the November round of international fixtures.

He was, however, to play no part in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Finland and has now been left out of the 23-man party that will face Portugal on Saturday.

France have submitted their list for that fixture, and Mbappe is not included.

The reigning World Cup holders' attacking spots are filled by Anthony Martial, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram.

Given Mbappe’s absence from that squad, it appears unlikely that he will be ready to face Sweden on Tuesday.

PSG will certainly be hoping that no unnecessary risks are taken with one of their most prized assets.

They have already seen Neymar released from the Brazil squad as he was carrying an injury that prevented him from figuring in the 2022 World Cup qualification plans of his country.

Thomas Tuchel had questioned the thinking behind two of his star men being called up by their respective nations when they clearly were not ready for action.

He said: “It's the right of the national team to call up players. We cannot do anything.

“If the boys are injured and can't play, I always prefer that they don't play.

“It's a super important phase, a good time to recover for players, but we have confidence that they will be treated well, that they have good care and good preparation. It's the truth. We have confidence in these people who are responsible for the national teams.

“If the players are called up, there's nothing we can do.”

France have now agreed that Mbappe cannot figure in their plans, with the World Cup winner being prevented from lining up against Ronaldo a month after the pair were involved in a goalless draw during the October international break.