Mbappé omission vs. Italy may not be injury-related only

KOCAELI, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 25: Kylian Mbappe of France runs with the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and France at Kocaeli Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

Reports in France suggest a hamstring injury may not be the only reason Kylian Mbappé will miss tonight’s Nations League clash against Italy, with the striker reportedly becoming increasingly isolated in the dressing room, as shown by a text he sent to Ousmane Dembélé that went unanswered.

France superstar Mbappé won’t be available for France in tonight’s Nations League game against Italy. Les Blues coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the striker’s omission on Wednesday, on the eve of the game.

Why is Mbappé unavailable for Italy vs. France?

Officially, Mbappé has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury, but reports in France suggest that might not be the only reason for his absence at San Siro tonight.

According to L’Équipe (via Gazzetta), in fact, Mbappé is becoming increasingly isolated in the France national team dressing room.

The Real Madrid ace is frustrated at failing to win the Ballon d’Or this year, while several of his compatriots, led by Ousmane Dembélé, are said to be unhappy with what they see as a growing focus on personal accolades over the national team.

According to the French newspaper, tension has escalated in recent months. Mbappé even tried to reach out to Dembélé to clear the air, but received no response, further irritating the Real Madrid star and isolating him within the team.

Head coach Zinedine Zidane seems to have sided with maintaining the group harmony and treating all players equally. Mbappé, however, reportedly feels he’s no longer receiving the same level of support and attention from the new national team head coach.

Mbappé already missed the reverse fixture against Italy, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Paris last month.

The Real Madrid superstar will still be on the bench against the Azzurri tonight, but will not be involved in the match.