Deschamps provides an update on Mbappe's injury

After France's 3-0 win against Azerbaijan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged that Kylian Mbappe re-injured his right ankle, yet he considered the issue “not serious.”

The French national team continued to demonstrate their strength by defeating Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes, maintaining their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Les Bleus’ joy was tempered when captain Kylian Mbappe had to leave the field in the 83rd minutedue to ankle pain — the same area that had caused him to miss training last week. After the collision, Mbappe limped off and headed straight to the tunnel, making way for Florian Thauvin, who later scored the final goal to seal the 3-0 victory.

Speaking after the match, coach Didier Deschamps stated: “He took another hit to his ankle. The pain will lessen with rest. Contact is inevitable in a game. We will assess the situation afterward. He is feeling uncomfortable.”

The French coach revealed that Mbappe had been carrying “a minor issue” from Real Madrid but was still fit enough to play. “It’s not a major problem. He was able to perform and contribute as usual,” Deschamps added.

Before leaving the pitch, Mbappe continued his dominant form by scoring the opening goal just before halftime with a solo run past six Azerbaijan defenders. That marked his 53rd goal for the national team and his 10th consecutive match scoring across all competitions. In the 2025-26 season, the Real Madrid striker has netted 17 goals and provided 4 assists in only 13 games — numbers that underscore why he is a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Deschamps also praised the substitute player: “Thauvin has excellent skills in front of goal. He thanked me, but I am the one who should thank him. We expect such performances from players coming off the bench.”

The French coach also admitted the team did not perform at their best in the first half: “Matches like this are always challenging. We moved the ball slowly, they defended deep and solidly. We only troubled them with pace. Still, this is an important win — 9 points from 3 games is commendable.”

Currently, Mbappe will undergo medical monitoring before France travels to Iceland early next week. While Les Bleus have enough squad depth to rotate players, Real Madrid face a big concern as they enter a crucial phase with upcoming matches against Getafe, Juventus, and Barcelona. If Mbappe is sidelined for an extended period, it would be a significant loss for both the national team and his club.

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