The real reason for Kylian Mbappe being snubbed for France's latest squad has reportedly been revealed.
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France head coach Didier Deschamps recently unveiled his squad for the upcoming international fixtures against Italy and Israel, and it has certainly raised a few eyebrows, particularly with regard to some notable absentees.
Three prominent Real Madrid players were left out of the selection: Mbappe, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, and defender Ferland Mendy. The sole representative from the Spanish giants in the squad is young midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
However, a recent revelation from renowned journalist Jose Luis Sánchez, shared via El Chiringuito TV, suggests that the omission of Mbappe was actually a decision made by the player himself.
Sánchez reports that Mbappe personally contacted Deschamps to explain that he needed additional time to return to peak fitness, and as a result, he opted not to be called up for this international window. The French forward's recent form has been under increasing scrutiny, both within the ranks of Real Madrid and among fans.
Since making the move to the Spanish capital, Mbappe has been deployed as the central striker for Los Blancos – a role that has not quite suited him.
Historically, the 25-year-old has thrived as a left winger, where he enjoys the freedom to cut inside and exploit the space in central areas. But at Madrid, Mbappe has found himself more often than not playing centrally, a position that has left him feeling restricted.
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This tactical shift has led to visible frustration, with the Frenchman struggling to make an impact as the team itself has been unable to generate consistent chances from midfield.