Mbappé to make France return - Deschamps

                    Kylian Mbappé Set for France Return in Nations League Quarterfinals, Confirms Deschamps

Captain Kylian Mbappé will make his much-anticipated return to the France national team in March for their Nations League quarterfinal clash against Croatia, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Friday.

The 26-year-old superstar, who boasts 86 caps for Les Bleus, was absent from the squad during the October and November fixtures following his high-profile move to Real Madrid in July.

"Of course, he’ll be there. Why wouldn’t he be?" Deschamps told L’Équipe. “He’s very attached to the national team, even if he went through a complicated personal period. He’s back to full fitness, both physically and mentally.”

Why Was Mbappé Absent?
The French captain’s omission from previous international squads raised eyebrows, but Deschamps cited a combination of factors, including:

A demanding transition to Real Madrid
Minimal rest and preseason preparation
A challenging six-month spell at PSG before his move
Persistent back pain
A broken nose at Euro 2024
"These things have both physical and psychological consequences, and he needed time to adapt to Madrid," Deschamps explained.

Despite concerns over fixture congestion and player workload, Mbappé reaffirmed his commitment to France in December.

Will Mbappé’s Leadership Be Affected?
As captain, Mbappé’s absence prompted speculation about his leadership role. However, Deschamps dismissed any doubts.

"There have always been internal discussions, both individual and collective. His previous absence doesn’t change his leadership," he said.

"I have no reason today to say he won’t be captain in March. But I’ll discuss it with him, as I always do."

Deschamps Hints at Zidane as His Successor
With Deschamps set to step down after the 2026 World Cup, speculation is growing over his successor.

French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo stated that it’s "too soon" to make a decision, but Deschamps hinted that Zinedine Zidane would be a strong candidate for the role.