Didier Deschamps reveals France captain Kylian Mbappe undergoing treatment for 'small niggle'

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :October 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM

Modified at :October 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM

Is Kylian Mbappe's France captaincy at risk?

Mbappe had suffered a knock during Real Madrid’s game against Villarreal.

Following a meeting with his international teammates before the most recent round of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, Kylian Mbappe is undergoing treatment for a “small niggle” in his right ankle. France coach Didier Deschamps announced on Monday.

Didier Deschamps reveals Kylian Mbappe will be assessed before the games

Kylian Mbappe France — BVB STADION DORTMUND, DORTMUND, GERMANY – 2024/06/25: Kylian Mbappe of France. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

After Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 3-1 in LaLiga on Saturday, the skipper of France took a knock that may have affected his availability for the national team’s next qualifying games against Iceland and Azerbaijan.

“I spoke with Kylian, he had a small niggle but it’s not serious, otherwise he wouldn’t be here today,” Deschamps told reporters at the French team’s Clairefontaine base near Paris.

“We will take the time with the medical staff to assess the situation and then see how it develops.”

Ibrahima Konate & Bradley Barcola fitness update

Ibrahima Konaté — WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 24: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig at Volkswagen Arena on November 24, 2018 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images )

Ibrahima Konate, a defender for Liverpool, was also tested after being substituted out due to injury during Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea.

The coaching staff of the French national team stated that he will continue his therapy on Tuesday, following the session received on Monday during training.

Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, was sent home from Clairefontaine because of a hamstring injury, according to the French Football Federation (FFF).

“After consulting with the French national team doctor… (Barcola) has been diagnosed with a chronic injury to his right hamstring since Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Atalanta (on September 17),” the FFF said.

It remains to be seen if Mbappe will be fit to play for the national team in the qualifying games this month as the Les Bleus look to book their spot in the main competition.

When did Mbappe suffer an injury?

He suffered an injury in Madrid’s win against Villarreal.

Will he miss France’s qualifying games?

It hasn’t been confirmed if he will play in the qualifiers.

Which nations will France play?

They will play Iceland and Azerbaijan.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.