Mourinho’s workload choices could see Mbappe miss Italy clash

While Real Madrid continues to lean on Kylian Mbappe’s near‑full‑time minutes, France faces the prospect of his absence in the UEFA Nations League clash with Italy, after reporting hamstring discomfort, a situation that could reflect on Jose Mourinho’s workload management as the French side prepares for Thursday’s encounter in Milan.

Mourinho’s workload dilemma

The connection to Jose Mourinho stems from Mbappe’s demanding schedule at Real Madrid and the manager’s handling of his playing time. Despite previous injury problems, the Frenchman has featured in almost the entire duration of recent matches. Statistics show he logged at least 84 minutes in each of Real Madrid’s eight consecutive victories. He completed the full 90 minutes in several games, including against Barcelona, Roma and Racing Santander, and played 89 minutes versus Valencia.

That workload has sparked questions about whether he receives sufficient rest, especially when Los Blancos already held comfortable leads. The report highlighted his continued involvement in matches against Racing Santander and Sevilla despite a three‑goal advantage. Mourinho will be hoping the hamstring issue proves minor as Real Madrid prepares for a demanding spell after the break. The club reportedly faces six matches in 18 days, making Mbappe’s fitness crucial.

Zidane backs young Senny Mayulu for the Nations League

France’s selection headache

Kylian Mbappe is confronting another setback ahead of France’s crucial UEFA Nations League meeting with Italy, leaving Zinedine Zidane with a major selection headache. He missed France’s final training session before Thursday’s encounter in Milan, according to L’Equipe and Le Parisien. The 27‑year‑old instead received treatment from the national team’s medical staff for hamstring discomfort. France’s coaching staff confirmed he was under treatment but gave few details, while Onda Cero reported he was working with physiotherapists and doctors pending further examinations.

L’Equipe expects Mbappe to miss the Italy fixture, though France hope he will be available for Sunday’s match with Turkey in Bordeaux. His absence would be a significant blow for Zidane as the side aims to top Nations League Group A1. With Mbappe unlikely to feature, Zidane has called up Paris Saint‑Germain forward Senny Mayulu, a 20‑year‑old who had been training with France’s Under‑21s before receiving his first senior call‑up. Les Blues also lack Inter striker Marcus Thuram, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, all sidelined by injuries. The timing is unfortunate as France had only recently welcomed Mbappe back after he missed three previous matches through injury. He had scored the winning goal in Zidane’s first match in charge against Turkey in September, but was forced off after feeling pain in his left knee. France reportedly hopes Mbappe will recover in time to face Turkey on Sunday, 15 November, and his decision to stay with the national team rather than return immediately to Madrid offers some encouragement, though his availability will depend on his response to treatment.