- They criticize Kylian Mbappé’s decision not to link up with France
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Aurelien Tchouameni has jumped to the defense of his Real Madrid and France teammate, Kylian Mbappé, following the recent controversy.
Mbappé has faced criticism in his home country for missing the Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium while he was available to play for Real Madrid.
The striker suffered a muscle injury last month but returned to the field before the international break.
He played for Real Madrid last weekend when he played 71 minutes in a 2-0 win against Villarreal, but indicated he would now need more rest as part of his recovery from the hamstring injury.
French coach Didier Deschamps left Mbappé out of the squad he announced, saying the 25-year-old lacked preparation and had played too few games.
“We are giving too much importance to the Mbappé issue,” Tchouameni said.
“Everyone can think what they want, but we know that whenever it comes to Kylian it is exaggerated,” Diario AS quotes.
“We talk about him after the game, before the game, it doesn’t matter where he watched the game, it’s not our problem.”
‘Mbappé’s love for the French team is unquestionable. “He sent messages to all the players and we hope he returns.”
Mbappé is expected to be fit for Real Madrid’s return to La Liga action on October 19 at Celta Vigo and should return for Deschamps in the November international window against Israel and Italy.
