France captain Kylian Mbappé will be missing his team’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Monday due to a right ankle injury, according to France’s football federation (FFF). The Real Madrid star managed to score in France’s recent 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, but unfortunately had to limp off the pitch in the 83rd minute. This isn’t the first time Mbappé has encountered issues with his ankle, as he had previously injured it while playing against Villarreal just before the international break.

The FFF confirmed that Mbappé will not be traveling to Reykjavik for the match and instead will be heading back to Madrid. The French team captain had discussions with Didier Deschamps upon their return to Clairefontaine, where it was decided that he would be released to his club and not replaced in the squad. Despite this setback, France, who were the runners-up at the 2022 World Cup, have been performing exceptionally well in the qualification process for the 2026 edition, winning all three of their games in Group D.

The absence of Mbappé will undoubtedly be felt by the French team, as he is a key player in their lineup. It remains to be seen how they will cope without his presence on the field. With the race to the 2026 World Cup underway, every match is crucial for teams looking to secure their spot in the tournament. Mbappé’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional football can take on players, and the importance of taking care of one’s health to ensure longevity in the sport. Despite this setback, fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting Mbappé’s return to the pitch and hoping for a speedy recovery for the talented forward.