Didier Deschamps explains controversial Kylian Mbappe France decision after Thierry Henry rant

Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the France squad ahead of their upcoming Nations League games. The Real Madrid star was omitted from the last round of international fixtures as well and, although there's speculation about his form, Didier Deschamps has dismissed those suggestions.

Stressing that it's about fitness and not external pressures, the France boss claimed that he didn't call up Mbappe previously because he wasn't completely fit. As quoted by the Mirror, he said: "Mbappe was not fit against Villarreal. There was no request. The decision is mine.

"He played the Villarreal game without being 100 per cent fit. Is this good for the player and for the French team? I don't think so. It is not the federations who pay the players. It is not just the case of Real Madrid and Kylian."

Meanwhile, spotlight intensified when Mbappe was spotted in a Stockholm nightclub while France enjoyed a win over Israel. Despite playing full matches for Los Blancos recently, including defeats to Barcelona in La Liga and AC Milan in the Champions League, the Frenchman will not feature for his country this month.

Deschamps has made it clear that the decision to drop Mbappe for the current international break was entirely his own. He spoke during a France press conference and outlined his stance on the superstar.

"I had several discussions with him, I had a think about it, and I made the decision," said Deschamps, as quoted by the Mirror. "I can tell you two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it's not about off-pitch issues. It's a choice that was made for this international break, with the two matches that await us. It's my decision, it's better this way."

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This development comes as Mbappe faces scrutiny at Real Madrid, where the team is struggling to find form. After last season's triumphs without a traditional striker, Carlo Ancelotti is trying to integrate the former PSG star alongside Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, but the results have been inconsistent.

Although Mbappe has score eight goals in 15 appearances, he's struggled to impress – especially since he's been leading the frontline. His display against Milan attracted some pointed remarks from Thierry Henry, who commented on his reluctance to make runs beyond the opposition defence.

This led to Bellingham making substantial 30 to 40 yard efforts to try and inject some dynamism into the game. Notably, when the England international was taken off during the recent loss, his frustration was plain to see as he vented by kicking a water bottle while heading to the dugout.

This reaction picked up by Henry, who was vocal about Mbappe needing to contribute 'way more' to his squad's efforts. Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, as quoted by the Mirror, the Arsenal legend said: "It's always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.

"I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn't going, and your 10-ish is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time. I know he's not a number none and that this maybe is not what he likes to do.

"Do you think he likes to make those runs, try and stretch the team? He'll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks. You don't win games like that.

"You don't win games with your number 10 [Bellingham] breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?

"I would have been upset too - I saw him kicking a bottle. I would be upset also, of course. For me, this is not good enough and I don't think they are playing well as a team but on the ball also he [Mbappe] has to do way more."

Full France Squad

Goalkeepers: Chevalier, Maignan, Samba

Defenders: Clauss, Digne, W. Fofana, T. Hernandez, Konaté, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano

Midfielders: Camavinga, Guendouzi, Kanté, Koné, Rabiot, Zaïre-Emery

Forwards: Barcola, Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Nkunku, Olise, Thuram

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