France boss explains Mbappe’s early return to Real Madrid – ‘No need to take any risks’ | OneFootball

France manager Didier Deschamps explained in a press conference why Kylian Mbappe returned to Real Madrid early from the national team camp.

The 26-year-old forward started and helped Les Bleus secure a victory over Ukraine in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier earlier this week.

However, on Friday morning, reports emerged claiming that the player was dealing with ankle inflammation, before it was officially confirmed that Mbappe would be leaving the French camp to return to Real Madrid.

Deschamps sheds light on decision

Now, Deschamps justified the decision made to send Mbappe back to Spain, stating that the France captain was dealing with an ankle issue and there was no need for them to take any risks, considering they already qualified for the World Cup.

“Kylian still has inflammation in his ankle. I’ve made him available to Real Madrid again; their coaching staff will decide what to do,” said Deschamps, as quoted by AS.

Mbappe returned to Madrid due to an ankle issue. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

“There was no need to take any risks, as was done previously with Camavinga. We shouldn’t take risks with anyone. He’s available to his club again,” the France head coach added.

Mbappe was decisive for France against Ukraine, scoring twice, and on Friday morning he took a flight back to Madrid.

The injury, inflammation in his right ankle, is not considered serious, and everything suggests that he will be available for Los Blancos against Elche after the international break.

Mbappe was not the only player to return to Madrid from France, as Eduardo Camavinga also made his way back to the Spanish capital after missing the Ukraine match due to hamstring pain. Like with Mbappe, though, he too is expected to be fit and available for Elche.