Zinedine Zidane Confirms Kylian Mbappe Return Ahead Of Crucial Turkey Clash

France coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed on Saturday that Kylian Mbappe is available for selection ahead of Les Bleus' final UEFA Nations League group-stage match against Turkey, as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The Real Madrid forward missed Thursday's defeat to Italy in Group A1 due to a hamstring issue, but Zidane revealed that Mbappe is ready to return. "He will be with us tomorrow (Sunday)," Zidane said. Mbappe, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, returned to the France squad during the current international window after missing his country's previous three matches through injury.

Zidane acknowledged the significance of having his star forward available once again.

"It changes everything. I'd rather have him with us than not," he said.

The 54-year-old, who won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player with France, also dismissed suggestions of tension between himself and Mbappe, insisting their relationship remained strong.

"I can't stop people saying what they're saying, but it's nonsense and quite irritating," Zidane said.

France are currently second in Group A1 on 10 points, level with Italy, and require only a draw against Turkey in Bordeaux to seal qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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