France manager Didier Deschamps has played down concerns involving Kylian Mbappe’s recent visit to a Swedish nightclub.

After Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s clash with city rivals Atletico through injury, Deschamps cited fitness problems as he left the forward out of the France squad for the October international break, but Mbappe was quickly back under the spotlight as he started his side’s victory over Villarreal soon after.

The controversy did not stop there as Mbappe was spotted in a Swedish nightclub on Thursday, the same night France faced Israel, leaving many accusing the 25-year-old of rejecting his international duties.

Asked about the issue, Deschamps told the media: “I don’t follow the news of the players who aren’t here. Kylian is on a program with his club, Real Madrid.

“I don’t know what his program was, if he was off, if he was there or not… I have to manage those who are here. Kylian sent me a message before the match. Afterwards, like any player in any team, he follows the program with one day off. On days off, the players are free to do what they want.”

Foot Mercato later reported that Mbappe had already warned the France setup that he did not want to be considered for this international break or any other inconsequential fixtures as he wants to ensure he remains in top condition on his quest to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

The issue has dominated much of the narrative revolving around the France setup this week, with a number of players speaking publicly to defend the under-fire Madrid forward.

“Everyone does what they want with their free time,” Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana said of the situation. “Today it hasn’t been a source of discussion, I haven’t heard anything about it. He does what he wants. He’s a big boy, a great professional, and he manages his career as he sees fit.

“He’s the great French player, so it’s normal that he gets a lot of media coverage, that he’s in the spotlight. Are we making too much of it? I don’t know. That’s up to him. But it’s true that from time to time you go a bit overboard. Ask Kylian Mbappe for more information.”

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