Kylian Mbappé Completes First Training Session Under Zinedine Zidane with France

The team captain returned to the pitch just two days before Les Bleus open their UEFA Nations League campaign against Turkey in Kocaeli.

Clearing the Influenza Hurdle at Clairefontaine

Mbappé’s return to group training follows a disrupted start to the September international window. On Tuesday, a viral influenza syndrome kept him isolated inside the camp château, forcing him to skip both outdoor tactical sessions and team meals while his teammates trained on the grass under Zidane.

Wednesday’s recovery brought an immediate shift in workload. Zidane and his coaching staff put the group through structured drills designed to accelerate preparations for Friday’s competitive opener.

Tactical Adjustments and the Captaincy Under Zidane

The transition marks a major watershed for the French national team following the departure of longtime manager Didier Deschamps. During Mbappé’s brief absence, the coaching staff deployed Ousmane Dembélé centrally in attacking drills, with Mbappé expected to reclaim his preferred role on the left flank.

Despite missing the opening pitch sessions, Mbappé’s status as team leader remains completely secure. Reflecting on the managerial change in an interview with CNN, Mbappé shared his enthusiasm for working with the former Ballon d’Or winner: C’est vraiment génial ! Une autre légende arrive en équipe de France. Nous sommes très heureux de l’avoir avec nous. Maintenant, voyons ce que nous allons accomplir (Sport365).

Match Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures

France departs for Turkey on Thursday at 11:00 UTC ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture. Les Bleus will face the Turkish national selection on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 20:45 local time in Kocaeli (near Izmit), according to Sport365. No official roster exclusion or formal fitness waiver has been issued for the captain, meaning his performance in Wednesday’s session keeps him in contention for Friday’s starting lineup.

The opening fixture kicks off a demanding autumn schedule for Zidane’s side. Following the trip to Turkey, France travels to Brussels to face Belgium on September 28, before returning home to host Italy and Belgium at the Stade de France on October 2 and October 5 respectively.