Former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra believes Les Bleus are playing politics over their decision not to call up Kylian Mbappe .
Didier Deschamps confirmed his squad in midweek ahead of two incoming UEFA Nations League games against Israel and Belgium.
He opted against calling up his captain, after a conversation with Mbappe about his fitness, and the verdict was to omit him from the panel.
Deschamps reiterated his view of Mbappe being committed to his leadership role in the team, but a recent injury issue meant a risk was unnecessary.
However, the situation has taken on a new angle this weekend, with Mbappe fit to start at home to Villarreal in La Liga action.
Evra was asked the situation and he believes there has been a major change approach since Mbappe’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid .
“If you call him up and he gets injured, you damage your relationship with [Florentino] Perez,” Evera said on Jeremy Rothen’s s’enflamme podcast.
“Real Madrid aren’t PSG. You can’t afford to take that kind of risk. But honestly, you’re the ones who’ve built up this legend around Mbappe.
“With all due respect to him, he’s not on Benzema’s level. He doesn’t even reach Benzema’s ankle right now.”
Mbappe and Benzema played together at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, following the latter’s return from international exile, but he retired immediately after the tournament.
Evra’s remarks refer to Benzema’s wider career, and his tally of five Champions League crowns, compared to Mbappe’s current rate of zero.
For anyone doubting that there are two sets of rules; one for Real Madrid and one for everyone else, here’s your proof.
How? Deschamps and France made the call not to call him up… his involvement in the Villareal game is involvement progression from the previous game where he got some minutes at the end. EVERY single player goes through this at their club when returning from injury.
To be clear : Deschamps did the exact same thing with Benzema during the world cup – he excluded Benz from the squad who flew home and played before the WC was over.
This is more of a France issue than Madrid.
Madrid announced that he would be out for an extended period of time, and that time overlapped selection. He played significant minutes against Lille and was in the squad for the Villareal match.
They lied about his fitness to keep him out of international duty, and nothing will happen because it’s Real.
That’s how.
And now Vini Jr. is “injured”…
“The first step is expected to be a check to see if he can join up with Brazil for international duty next week with the early updates hinting he will not feature for the Samba Boys in their incoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, lol.