Mbappe Trains Indoors as Flu Disrupts France’s Zidane Era Preparations

Kylian Mbappe missed France’s outdoor training session on Tuesday after being hit by flu, leaving the captain to work indoors at Clairefontaine ahead of a demanding four-match run.

The 27-year-old’s condition is not regarded as serious, but it has interrupted preparations for France’s first major camp under Zinedine Zidane, who took charge after the 2026 World Cup.

France monitor Mbappe ahead of Turkey trip

1. Mbappe was unable to join his team-mates on the pitch on Tuesday because of flu symptoms and completed indoor work instead.
2. The remainder of the France squad continued outside training as they began adapting to Zidane’s methods.
3. Les Bleus are due to travel to Turkey for Friday’s match on September 25.
4. France then face Belgium away three days later, host Italy on October 2 and meet Belgium again on October 5.

France’s medical staff are focused on getting their skipper back into full training as soon as his symptoms subside. Flu is expected to be a short-term setback, though his involvement from the start in Turkey will be decided nearer to kick-off.

Zidane’s first test

The camp is an early examination for Zidane despite the depth available to him. Mbappe remains the central figure in the squad and is France’s leading World Cup scorer with 22 goals.

With four fixtures scheduled in little more than a week, France may need to manage their captain carefully rather than rush him back for the opening match. The immediate priority is his recovery before the squad leaves Clairefontaine.