Mbappe expected to return for Turkey showdown, says Zidane - The Straits Times

BARCELONA, Nov 12 - Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to action next Tuesday, France manager Zinedine Zidane said following their loss to Italy on Thursday.

The Real Madrid forward did not train with the French team due to pain in his hamstring, but Zidane said Mbappe was likely to feature against Turkey in their final Nations League group game.

"I hope so, that's why he stayed," Zidane told French television channel TF1.

"I don't think it's anything serious. The idea is to have him play."

France's 3-1 defeat by Italy in Milan was Zidane's first loss since taking charge of the national team in July.

"I told them after the match there's no need to panic," Zidane said.

"We created chances and had possession, but we were a little weaker defensively."

Les Bleus are second in League A Group 1, level on 10 points with Italy and one point ahead of Belgium in third. REUTERS