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Mbappe expected to return for Turkey showdown, says Zidane

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In short

France manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappe sat out squad training due to hamstring pain, though the physical setback is not considered serious. The team intends to feature the Real Madrid attacker in their upcoming group finale against Turkey next Tuesday. Meanwhile, France is recovering from a 3-1 loss to Italy in Milan, marking Zidane's first managerial defeat since taking charge in July. Zidane urged his squad to stay calm, praising their possession and chance creation while acknowledging defensive shortcomings.

Key points

  • France remains tied with Italy on 10 points at the top of League A Group 1.: France remains tied with Italy on 10 points at the top of League A Group 1.
  • The French national team holds a narrow one-point advantage over third-place Belgium in t…: The French national team holds a narrow one-point advantage over third-place Belgium in the standings.
  • Zinedine Zidane instructed his squad not to panic despite noting defensive weaknesses dur…: Zinedine Zidane instructed his squad not to panic despite noting defensive weaknesses during their recent loss.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

BARCELONA, Nov 12 : Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to action next Tuesday, France manager Zinedine Zidane said following their loss to Italy on Thursday.

The Real Madrid forward did not train with the French team due to pain in his hamstring, but Zidane said Mbappe was likely to feature against Turkey in their final Nations League group game.

"I hope so, that's why he stayed," Zidane told French television channel TF1.

"I don't think it's anything serious. The idea is to have him play."

France's 3-1 defeat by Italy in Milan was Zidane's first loss since taking charge of the national team in July.

"I told them after the match there's no need to panic," Zidane said.

"We created chances and had possession, but we were a little weaker defensively."

Les Bleus are second in League A Group 1, level on 10 points with Italy and one point ahead of Belgium in third.

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