'It changes everything' – Zidane welcomes Mbappe injury return
UEFA Nations League A
Zinedine Zidane believes Kylian Mbappe's return from injury “changes everything” as France prepare for a crucial Nations League clash against Turkiye, with a quarter-final place within reach.
Mbappe missed France's 3-1 defeat to Italy on Thursday with a hamstring injury. Zidane's first loss since taking over from Didier Deschamps left Les Bleus second in Group A1 and opened up the group ahead of the final games.
France now host Turkiye, while leaders Italy travel to third-place Belgium on Sunday. Victory would guarantee France a place in the quarter-finals.
The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal in the reverse fixture against Turkiye, although injury kept him out of the other three fixtures during the previous international break.
“It changes everything; we prefer to have him than not have him.”
Zinedine Zidane on Mbappe's return
Zidane confirmed Mbappe would be with the squad but kept his plans for the match to himself.
“There's no problem, he'll be with us. You'll see how we play. These are coaching matters,” he said.
“They are all normally available. But we have to wait for the last training session. But all the players are available to train.”
Reflecting on the defeat in Italy, Zidane acknowledged that France had work to do, even after showing some encouraging signs.
“We know what we did in Italy. We did some good things, but when you lose, there are things that didn't go so well.
“Even if a point is enough, our objective is always to win the match. We'll have to play a great match.”
Zidane dismisses relationship rumours
The 54-year-old also brushed aside rumours that his relationship with Mbappe had soured.
“I don't understand, but it's not a big deal,” he said. “That's why I'm not going to get into the debate.
“I have the relationship of a coach with his player, and it's going perfectly. I can't stop people from saying what's being said. But it's nonsense. It's a shame and quite annoying.”
Da Cunha welcomes Mbappe back
Lucas Da Cunha, who has taken his chances in France's midfield under Zidane, also welcomed Mbappe's return and stressed his importance to the squad.
“Kylian is with us; he's in good shape. He's available like everyone else. We feel him with us,” said the Como midfielder.
“We're all confident; nobody has a problem. We're all together and ready to face this match.
“He always has a very important role in this group, both on and off the field. He is super important for us, for the team.
“He has a great hunger, and he will be ready to help us as he does every time.”
