Not naming Kylian Mbappé (25) in the French national team for the final two UEFA Nations League group fixtures was not a “sanction.”Those words came from France manager Didier Deschamps, who

Kylian Mbappe is going through “a difficult period” of struggles, said France boss Didier Deschamps, who left the forward out of his UEFA Nations League squad.

Even when he is not there for France, the focus remains on Kylian Mbappé. On the eve of a high-risk Nations League match against Israel, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked Wednesday if he had spoken with Mbappé about his decision to leave the Real Madrid forward out of his squad.

Even when he is not there for France, the focus remains on Kylian Mbappé — despite Didier Deschamps' pleas to stop asking about his star.

Even when he is not there for France, the focus remains on Kylian Mbappé. On the eve of a high-risk Nations League match against Israel in Paris, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked Wednesday if he had spoken with Mbappé about his decision to leave the Real Madrid forward out of his squad.

Deschamps first joked that he had expected the question to be asked earlier during the news conference. Quickly back to his serious self, Deschamps then avoided a debate. "Listen,

France coach Didier Deschamps has again emphasized that the fact that Kylian Mbappé was not included in his squad is not a sanction for the player. "Everyone has the right to go through a difficult time,