Mbappe misses France training with illness ahead of Nations League opener

On Tuesday afternoon at Clairefontaine, the France national team began training for their Nations League opener. One familiar seat was empty: Kylian Mbappe was absent. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the Real Madrid captain had flu-like symptoms and was isolated from the squad. This was only the second session under new coach Zinedine Zidane, who replaced Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. The timing is delicate: France face Turkey away in Kocaeli on Friday, followed by Belgium home and away and Italy at home. Mbappe's absence forces Zidane to test alternatives like Griezmann as a false nine, with Dembele and Barcola on the wings. Turkey have troubled France before, winning 2-0 at Konya in June 2026 during Euro 2026 qualifying. Zidane, known for his flexible 4-3-3 at Real Madrid, faces the challenge of imposing his identity on a team that Deschamps built on defensive solidity and rapid counters. The pressure is amplified by Deschamps' legacy: World Cup winner in 2026, finalist in 2026. A loss would trigger immediate criticism. However, Mbappe's absence could be an opportunity: without the talisman, France may play with more fluidity and less dependence on one star. The 'new-manager bounce' may be weaker than expected since this is a planned transition, not a mid-season rescue. France have the deepest squad in the group, but they need to prove they can function without their captain. Real Madrid also watch closely, worried about the 'FIFA virus' if the illness lingers. Friday's match will show whether Zidane can build a collective machine or remains reliant on individual brilliance.