Kylian Mbappe withdraws from France squad – hours after helping secure World Cup qualification

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Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga have withdrawn from France’s squad – but are expected to feature for Real Madrid next weekend.Mbappe played the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 win over Ukraine, scoring twice and assisting to secure France’s 2026 World Cup qualification, while Camavinga didn’t make the bench.Mbappe is aiming to win his second World Cup and France’s third after qualifying for 2026Getty In a statement the French Football Federation [FFF] said: “Kylian Mbappe is still experiencing inflammation in his right ankle, which requires further examination. “He will undergo these tests today in Madrid.”Leading Madrid outlet MARCA now report that Mbappe didn’t even have to undergo any scans upon his return, and will be fit next time out to face Elche on November 23.The FFF added that Camavinga has a hamstring strain, and Roma’s Manu Kone is also heading back to Italy due to a culmination of yellow cards resulting in a suspension.Madrid first reported an issue with Mbappe’s ankle on October 4 when he was substituted off in the 83rd minute of a 3-1 LaLiga win over Villarreal where he scored and assisted.He went on to start in their next six matches across the league and Champions League, playing the 90 minutes in four of those games.He was, however, left out of France’s second qualifier during the previous international break, in similar scenes to these November fixtures.Mbappe’s path to French greatnessMbappe was made Les Bleus captain in March 2023 following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, and he has 55 goals in 93 games overall, just two short of Olivier Giroud’s all-time record.The 26-year-old second most-expensive player of all-time has already won the World Cup in 2018 – France’s second overall – scoring in a 4-2 win over Croatia.Returning to the final in 2022 to face Argentina, Mbappe put in a performance for the ages as Didier Deschamps’ side lost on penalties.Mbappe’s 2022 World Cup final performance will never be forgotten, despite ending in defeatGettyMbappe has been just as spectacular for Madrid as FranceGettyOn top of scoring in the shoot-out, he scored a hat-trick during the 120 minutes, making his four goals in World Cup finals the most-ever by any player in competition history.Mbappe has been just as prolific for Madrid, managing 62 goals in 75 games, with his 44 last season earning him his first European Golden Boot.Club president Florentino Perez paid a heartfelt tribute at the award ceremony on October 31, having pursued the striker for many years.“I’m very proud that our team can count on a player like you,” he said. “You perfectly represent the values of this club.”Despite his early success at the Bernabeu, Mbappe didn’t win one of the big prizes in his debut season, missing out on LaLiga to Barcelona and the Champions League to former side Paris Saint-Germain.It’s looking likely that Mbappe will set those records straight this season, and he is being backed to do so in the Ballon d’Or odds, currently sitting second behind Lamine Yamal.