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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.

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Crystal Palace was originally founded in 1861 by the members of the Crystal Palace Company, who first founded a cricket club in 1857. The football team remained amateur until turning professional in 1905. Crystal Palace are the oldest football club still actively playing professional football in the world.

Steve Parish, who bought a stake in the club in 2010, has a 10% stake in Crystal Palace. American businessman John Textor, through his company Eagle Football Holdings, owns a 45% majority stake. Josh Harris and David Blitzer own 18% stake each, while investor Robert Franco owns 5% stake in the club.

Crystal Palace play their games at the Selhurst Park, which has been the club's home ground since 1924.

Selhurst Park has a capacity of 25,486. From 1985 to 1991, and from 1991 to 2003, Charlton Athletic and Wimbledon shared the venue with Crystal Palace, respectively.

Crystal Palace are yet to win a single major honour, making it to the FA Cup final twice.

No manager has led Crystal Palace to an English top flight title yet, with their best-ever finish coming in the 1990-91 season, when they finished third.

Former Scottish centre-back Jim Cannon holds the record for making the most appearances for Crystal Palace, playing 600 games while spending his entire career at the Selhurst Park.

Peter Simpson scored 165 goals during his five-season stint at the club (1929-30 to 1933-34) and is Crystal Palace's all-time top goalscorer.

Wilfried Zaha, Ian Wright, Wayne Hennessey, and Christian Benteke are some of Crystal Palace's most famous players ever.

Edmund Goodman, Terry Venables, Alan Pardew, Roy Hodgson, Frank de Boer, and Patrick Vieira are Crystal Palace's most famous managers ever.

Crystal Palace are famously known as The Eagles, a reference to their club badge which consists of an eagle holding a football.