Whether he is present or absent, Kylian Mbappé is still the talk of the town. The price of fame. On Thursday, when Didier Deschamps unveils the names of the 23 players who will contest the final two matches of 2024 with the French national team against Israel and Italy (November 14-17) in the Nations League, the name of Les Bleus’ captain will be mentioned. Is this logical? Of course it does. Even if the Madrid native’s absence in October, when he was spared by the coach, was much more talked about than the matches he won against Israel and Italy. Israel (1-4) and the Belgium (1-2). Another sign that, with the international retirement ofAntoine GriezmannMbappé is now the only international star in the French ranks.

Criticized on all sides with Real Madrid, after the two slaps in the face he received against Barcelona (0-4) and AC Milan (1-3) at the Bernabeu, Kylian Mbappé will return to the France squad he left in September with a bitter taste. Between a moody pre-match press conference against Italyfollowed by an appalling performance on the pitch and loud whistles in Lyon, the former Parisian had lived through this sequence in a detached manner. His comeback will be closely watched, both on and off the pitch. the rape investigation in Sweden which is reportedly targeting him according to two local media. It’s up to him to show that he’s happy to be here. Which wasn’t the case back in September.

A midfielder “sacrificed”… with Mbappé’s return?

While the captain of Les Bleus will be there, this will not be the case for Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was promoted to the position last month. Touched ankle against AC Milan on TuesdayThe midfielder, who had a calamitous first half, is out. This situation should benefit Adrien Rabiot, who is regaining his form with OM, in a sector of the game where we should be watching the October signings (Camavinga, Koné, Zaïre-Emery, Fofana, Guendouzi). Unless Mbappé’s return forces Deschamps to modify his list and “sacrifice” a midfielder.

Chevalier on the list and rewarded for his XXL performances in the Champions League

A seductive and decisive performer with Lille in the Champions League, but that’s not all, Lucas Chevalier is also expected to take part, according to our information. The Nordic goalkeeper will take Alphonse Areola’s place, and will make his first appearance for the senior team at this final event of 2024, alongside Maignan and Samba. A fitting reward for a decisive player who failed to impress against Real Madrid, Atlético and Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

In defense, the October line-up (T. Hernandez, Digne, Upamecano, Konaté, Saliba, Fofana, Koundé, Clauss…) is expected to be in place. Although he has reiterated his desire to play for Les BleusBenjamin Pavard, sidelined since the Euros, is unlikely to be called up. The match against Israel, the weakest opponent in this sequence, could provide Deschamps with an opportunity to launch Fofana, who has been left on the bench without a single minute’s game time in the last two matches. Reintroducing Pavard would make little sense in view of the famous “oxygenation” of the France squad launched in September.

In the attacking sector, in addition to the return of Mbappé, Thuram, Kolo Muani, Olise, Dembélé, Nkunku and Barcola have every reason to expect to be at Clairefontaine on Monday. What about Coman, who is back in action in Munich? It’s hard to imagine the winger provoking the departure of any of the above-mentioned players. The profiles of Millot and Akliouche, mentioned as possible additions to the squad, are likely to remain on the sidelines. We’ll have the answer this Thursday at 2pm.