Report: Zidane calls up PSG’s Mayulu as Mbappé doubts Italy clash

France risk losing their grip on top spot in Nations League Group A after a report confirmed Kylian Mbappé is injured and out of the squad for Thursday’s clash with Italy.

Zinedine Zidane has therefore called up Senny Mayulu from Paris Saint‑Germain to replace the striker. The match will be played at the San Siro and kicks off at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) on Thursday. It is a head‑to‑head battle for the Group A lead, and a win would almost guarantee the Azzurri a place in the quarter‑finals.

Mayulu called up as replacement

Mbappé, who now plays for Real Madrid, is expected to miss the Italy‑France game. His absence is seen as a massive blow for Les Bleus, given he is France’s most important player. L’Équipe reported that the striker did not train today because of a hamstring problem and is very unlikely to feature tomorrow.

Mbappé alarm: Real Madrid striker misses training

Earlier this year Mbappé celebrated a goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League match against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026 in Rome. In a friendly on 26 March 2026, Brazil’s Bremer ran with the ball against Mbappé during the France‑Brazil match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Zidane hopes Mbappé will be available for France’s final group game against Turkey on Sunday evening, but has already added PSG forward Mayulu from the Under‑21 side. France are already missing Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, Inter striker Marcus Thuram and midfielder Aurelien Tchaouameni through injury.

Mayulu called up to the national team: Zidane reviews plans for Mbappé