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- Kylian Mbappe’s decision not to link up with France has been criticised
- Mbappe is not with France for their internationals despite returning from injury
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Aurelien Tchouameni has leapt to the defence of Real Madrid and France team-mate Kylian Mbappe after recent controversy over his commitment to the national team.
Mbappe has faced criticism in his home country for missing their Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid.
The forward picked up a muscle injury last month but made his return to the pitch prior to the international break.
He featured for Real Madrid last weekend as he played 71 minutes in a 2-0 win against Villarreal but indicated that he would now need more rest as part of his recovery from the hamstring injury.
France coach Didier Deschamps left Mbappe out of the squad he announced, saying the 25-year-old lacked preparation, having played too few matches.
Aurelien Tchouameni has defended Real Madrid and France team-mate Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has faced criticism for missing France duty despite making a return from injury
‘We are giving too much importance to the Mbappe thing,’ Tchouameni said.
‘Everyone can think what they want, but we know that every time it is about Kylian, it’s exaggerated’, as per quotes from Diario AS.
‘We talk about him after the game, before the game, it doesn’t matter where he watched the game, it’s not our problem.
‘Mbappe’s love for the French team is unquestioned. He sent messages to all the players and we look forward to him coming back.’
Mbappe is expected to be fit for Real Madrid’s next match at Celta Vigo next weekend and should return for France’s meetings with Israel and Italy next month.
Tchouameni says that everything about his club and national team-mate is exaggerated
The Los Blancos star was pictured with friends in the streets of Stockholm on Thursday night as he dined out at Chez Jolie.
Aftonbladet claim the night didn’t end there as he then made his way to a nearby nightclub.