Kylian Mbappe returns to France squad for Nations League quarter-final: Deschamps-OxBig News Network

France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Real Madrid star forward Kylian Mbappe will return to the national team squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash against Croatia in March. The French captain was left out of France’s Nations League group-stage matches in November, but his recent resurgence in form at Real Madrid has earned him a recall.

Mbappe’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid initially got off to a slow start, leading Deschamps to give him time to adjust before ultimately omitting him from France’s matches against Italy and Israel. However, speaking at a recent press conference, Deschamps stated that the forward’s return was fully justified given his improving performances.

“Of course, he (Mbappe) will be there. Why wouldn’t he be?” Deschamps said.

“Yes, for very specific reasons (leaving him out in November) But he will be there, if nothing happens to him between now and then. He is very attached to the French team, even if he has had a complicated personal period. He has found all his means and, inevitably, it shows in his game, and in his head too,” he added.

With 48 goals in 86 international appearances, Mbappe remains France’s most potent attacking option. Despite his initial struggles in Madrid, the 26-year-old has gradually regained form, scoring 23 goals in 35 matches across all competitions this season. His impact was further highlighted in Real Madrid’s recent UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg victory over Manchester City, where he netted a crucial goal.

Mbappe’s return to the France squad comes at a crucial time as Les Bleus aim to secure a place in the Nations League semifinals.