Zidane addresses impact of Real Madrid star’s absence after France vs Italy: ‘We cannot say’

Zidane addresses impact of Real Madrid star’s absence after France vs Italy: ‘We cannot say’ Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has taken over the France national team from Didier Deschamps and looks set to lead Les Bleus into their new era. His team drew 1-1 with Italy last night, but Zidane refused to use Kylian Mbappe’s absence as an explanation for France’s 1-1 Nations League draw against Italy. The Real Madrid forward missed Friday’s match at the Stade de France after suffering a left-knee hyperextension against Turkey last week. Zidane refuses to make excuses Speaking after the Italy draw, Zidane was asked whether Mbappe’s absence had affected his team. As quoted by AS , he refused to get drawn into that narrative. “Did Kylian Mbappe’s absence affect the team? We cannot say. He is not here; he is injured,” Zidane said. It was a clear-cut response from the former Real Madrid coach, who understandably preferred to focus on the players available to him. Kylian Mbappe injured himself scoring a goal against Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) France certainly created opportunities without Mbappe. Michael Olise put them ahead against Italy, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised as Zidane’s side were held to a draw. The France coach felt his team deserved more from the match and pointed towards their failure to capitalise on opportunities. Madrid waiting for their superstar For Real Madrid, however, the important issue is not how France cope without Mbappe. It is when he will be available again. It was a freak injury for the Los Blancos star, who injured his knee while scoring the goal that gave France all three points. It was initially feared that Mbappe had suffered a significant injury, but subsequent tests showed that he had managed to escape one. Real Madrid will want Kylian Mbappe back as soon as possible. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) Despite this, the Frenchman is still not back in training and was spotted in Paris, with no clarity on a potential return date. Mbappe has become the focal point of Madrid’s attack, and with Villarreal awaiting immediately after the international break, there is little reason for either club or country to rush his recovery. Even if he is not available for the game against the Yellow Submarine, it should not be long before Mbappe returns to action for Mourinho. France and Zidane are discovering how to function without their captain. Madrid would rather not have to do the same without their talisman for long. It remains to be seen how Mbappe’s recovery pans out and whether he is ready to go for Los Blancos after the international break.