Kylian Mbappe facing 'physical and psychological' struggles, says France boss Didier Deschamps - 'A difficult period'

Kylian Mbappe was left out of the France squad for the second consecutive international window this month after a difficult start to life with Real Madrid. France manager Didier Deschamps admitted it is a "difficult period" for the striker, saying "there is a physical element and a psychological one." Mbappe has scored one goal in his last eight games for Real, who he joined in the summer.

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France manager Didier Deschamps said Kylian Mbappe is going through “a difficult period” of “physical and psychological” struggles after the Real Madrid star was left out of the national squad.

Mbappe was not called up for this week’s UEFA Nations League double-header against Israel and Italy, having also been left out of the French squad in the October international window.

Deschamps’ decision came after a difficult start to life in Madrid, to where Mbappe moved from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

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Although Mbappe has a commendable eight goals in 16 games in all competitions for Real, he has failed to hit his best form and has scored just once in his last seven appearances.

France struggled in his absence on Thursday when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Israel, but Deschamps explained why the World Cup winner was overlooked.

“It's a fact that he is in a difficult situation. Obviously, he is going through a period which is not the happiest of his career,” Deschamps said to TF1, as reported by Goal.

Kylian Mbappe has struggled for Real Madrid this season

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“He wanted to come. I think it's better for him [not to be selected] at the moment.

“Everybody can go through a difficult period. There is a physical element, and a psychological one.”

Mbappe signed a five-year deal with Real in the summer after departing PSG at the expiry of his contract.

The 25-year-old has been used as a central striker in Madrid by coach Carlo Ancelotti, but is yet to hit the sky-high standards he set during his time in Paris.

Mbappe won six Ligue 1 titles with PSG and became the club’s all-time top scorer, while he won the World Cup with France in 2018.

Deschamps' side travel to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to face Italy in their final UEFA Nations League group game on Sunday.

They are already guaranteed to qualify for the quarter-finals ahead of Belgium and Israel, but can finish level on points with the table-topping Azzurri with a win.