France overtook Israel with a 4-1 win last week to close the gap with Italy at the top of Group 2 of League A UEFA Nations League.

Didier Deschamps' side travel to Belgium on Monday for the second game of the October international break with a key player still unavailable for selection.

Kylian Mbappe is not part of France's squad for the Nations League games against Israel and Belgium after recently sustaining a hamstring injury in a home game. Mbappé reported muscle problems in the 3-2 LaLiga win against Alavés and subsequently withdrew from international competition.

Real Madrid teammate in his absence Aurélien Tchouaméni will take over the armband for Les Bleus.

At the time of the injury, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was typically calm, saying: “He had a strain. Now, with the new technology, they are talking about grade one, grade two… In just under a week he has recovered well.”

When will Kylian Mbappé return to Real Madrid?

The Frenchman's fitness status has been affected by the fact that he has been back on the field since his injury against Alavés, starting in Madrid's recent win against Villarreal.

Facing domestic outrage, France head coach Deschamps was forced to explain the situation earlier this month: “He has a problem that is not serious, but he needs treatment to recover properly.” I'm not here to take risks. That's why Kylian isn't here.”

Deschamps continued: “Kylian attracts a lot of attention. The interests of clubs and national teams do not always align, and that is important It is the club, not the association, that employs him.”

Despite an unexciting start to the 2024/25 season, Real Madrid remains unbeaten in LaLiga Mbappé has scored seven goals in eleven games throughout the competition. The Champions League defeat to LOSC Lille was undoubtedly a disappointment, but there are signs of it Mbappé-Vinicius-Bellingham trident starts to gel. If Mbappé is able to get back to full fitness during this October break, Madrid could get started with their return to domestic play next weekend.