Real Madrid is on edge once again after France decided to include Kylian Mbappé in their squad for the October international break, despite his recent right ankle injury. The French captain remains doubtful for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, and his condition has become a major source of friction between Valdebebas and Clairefontaine.

Why Is Mbappé’s Call-Up Causing Concern?

Mbappé limped off during Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Villarreal, and although scans ruled out a serious injury, the club fears that any premature return could aggravate the issue. Over the past few days, the forward has trained individually under a French team fitness coach, without joining group sessions.

For Madrid, this situation rekindles the old fear of the so-called “FIFA virus” — the risk of players returning injured after international duty. Given Mbappé’s importance — he’s currently the team’s top scorer and a cornerstone of Xabi Alonso’s project — the stakes couldn’t be higher.

France Still Considering Him for the Opener

In the middle of the controversy stands Didier Deschamps, who has yet to rule Mbappé out of Friday’s match. The French coach insists the decision will depend on how the striker responds in the final training sessions:

“We’re monitoring him day by day. The situation isn’t alarming, but we’ll see how he feels before making a final decision,” Deschamps told reporters.

However, even the possibility of Mbappé playing a few minutes has raised alarm bells in Madrid, where the priority is for the player to rest and recover fully ahead of the demanding club schedule that lies ahead.

El Clásico Looms Large

The underlying reason for Madrid’s anxiety is clear: El Clásico against Barcelona, set for October 26, is fast approaching. Losing Mbappé for that match would be a devastating blow for Los Blancos, who are neck and neck with Barça in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Inside Valdebebas, there’s a growing hope that France’s medical staff will act prudently and avoid forcing the issue. Mbappé himself reportedly wants to play, but he’s also aware that protecting his long-term fitness is crucial in what promises to be one of the busiest seasons of his career.

The next 48 hours will be decisive: either Deschamps gives in to pressure from Madrid and rests his captain, or Mbappé risks stepping onto the pitch — a move that could reignite one of football’s most delicate club-versus-country battles.