Zinedine Zidane faces Kylian Mbappe dilemma as France seek Nations League revival

France must beat Turkey on Sunday to reach the Nations League quarter-finals after Zinedine Zidane’s first match as manager ended in a 3-1 defeat by Italy at San Siro.

The result has placed Zidane under early pressure and revived the debate over whether Kylian Mbappe should return despite a minor hamstring injury. France need their captain, but the decision to play him could carry the risk of aggravating the problem.

Michael Olise’s excellent first-half goal was not enough to prevent defeat, with Mbappe’s absence from the attack highlighting his importance to the team. A further failure to win in Bordeaux would end France’s hopes of reaching the last eight if Belgium beat Italy.

Mbappe’s fitness has been unclear throughout the international camp. The French Football Federation has not published a medical report explaining the nature or seriousness of the injury, nor has it provided a timetable for the Real Madrid forward’s return, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Although Mbappe travelled to Italy with the squad, Zidane confirmed on the eve of the match that he would not be available. After the defeat, however, the manager expressed hope that the 26-year-old could feature against Turkey.

“I hope so. That’s why he stayed with the team. I don’t think his injury is serious. We will see him tomorrow when we are in Bordeaux, and the aim is for him to play,” Zidane said.

Mbappe was absent from team training at Clairefontaine on Wednesday before the French Football Federation announced that he was not fit to face Italy. Sunday’s match would be his fifth consecutive game missed because of injury, following his departure from France’s first camp under Zidane after suffering a physical problem while scoring the opening goal against Turkey.

That sequence has raised concerns over whether he has fully recovered. France need Mbappe at his best, but rushing him back could result in another setback. Zidane chose not to risk him against Italy because that match was not decisive for France’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Keeping him with the squad rather than sending him back to Real Madrid suggests the coaching and medical staff believe he can be prepared for Sunday.

The match is also an important test of Zidane’s relationship with Mbappe. French media have closely followed reports that the pair have not reached a complete understanding, particularly over the forward’s role.

Zidane used Mbappe on the left wing in his first game in charge, believing the position suited him, while the player prefers a more central attacking role. When announcing his squad last week, Zidane indicated Mbappe would return to his favoured position. If fit, he is expected to start against Turkey through the middle rather than on the left.

Limited visible cooperation between the pair during open training has added to the speculation, although it does not by itself establish the nature of their relationship. Both men nevertheless need a swift understanding, with Zidane’s project dependent on making effective use of France’s leading player.