France Adjusts Squad Ahead of World Cup Qualifier: Mbappe, Camavinga, and Kone Withdrawn

France’s national football team has confirmed a significant alteration to its squad ahead of the final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Kylian Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga, and Manu Kone have all been released from the team. Kone is suspended, Camavinga is dealing with a hamstring strain, and Mbappe is struggling with recurring inflammation in his right ankle.

This ankle issue resurfaced following France’s 4-0 victory over Ukraine, during which Mbappe scored twice, achieving his 400-goal milestone. Despite completing the match, he experienced renewed discomfort the following morning. In light of consultations between the France Football Federation (FFF) and Real Madrid, it was decided that he would withdraw from the trip to Baku and return to Spain for further evaluation.

The FFF communicated that Mbappe was not fit to continue and required additional medical assessment in Madrid to better understand the extent of the inflammation and to prevent the problem from worsening ahead of a demanding schedule with his club.

Mbappe’s ankle issue has been ongoing; he had previously missed France’s second fixture in October due to similar inflammation and had managed flare-ups for several weeks. Although he played the full match against Ukraine, his symptoms intensified afterward, raising concerns among both the coaching staff and Madrid’s medical team.

Despite the abrupt nature of his departure, the FFF reassured that there is no major injury, only recurring irritation that exacerbates with increasing workload. Real Madrid, gearing up for league and Champions League commitments following the international break, opted for immediate examination.

Madrid anticipates that Mbappe will be available after the break, barring any new developments. Reports from El Desmarque in Spain indicate that there are no signs of a serious issue, although further tests are anticipated.

With Mbappe sidelined, the stage is set for Hugo Ekitike, who has made a positive impression each time he has participated for France since his senior debut in September. His performance against Ukraine, which included a goal, an assist, and a shot against the post within just 23 minutes, further bolsters his case for greater responsibility under coach Didier Deschamps.

Ekitike has made five appearances since his call-up in August and continues to gain momentum both with the national team and Liverpool. The upcoming qualifier provides him another opportunity to make a significant impact in Mbappe’s absence.

Camavinga is also returning to Madrid after a week without training due to left-hamstring discomfort. Deschamps had already included Khephren Thuram as a replacement, and the FFF has confirmed that Camavinga is unfit for either match. Madrid anticipates his return in time for their La Liga encounter against Elche on November 23. Sources indicate that both Camavinga and Mbappe are expected to be fit for Madrid immediately after the break.

Although France will complete their qualifying campaign without Mbappe, they have already secured a place in the 2026 World Cup by topping their group with 13 points, making the situation manageable. Deschamps plans to use the match against Azerbaijan to rotate players, assess squad depth, and provide opportunities to those who have shown promise, including Ekitike and Thuram.

For Real Madrid, the timing is sensitive, yet not alarming. Mbappe remains the leading scorer for both the team and in La Liga this season, while Camavinga’s influence under coach Xabi Alonso continues to grow. Both players are integral to Madrid’s plans as the club prepares for a busy calendar of league and European fixtures.

Medical updates from Spain indicate that neither player is dealing with a serious injury. Mbappe will not undergo extensive testing unless his symptoms worsen. The return of Mbappe, alongside recovering teammate Thibaut Courtois, positions Madrid strongly as they resume their season.