Mbappe and Konate out of France's World Cup qualifier in Iceland

Kylian Mbappe along with Ibrahima Konate will miss Frances upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Monday, a match that could secure their spot in the tournament next year.

Mbappe was already dealing with a minor issue in his right ankle from his recent appearances with Real Madrid, and he suffered two additional impacts during the 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in the World Cup qualifier on Friday in Paris, where he netted the first goal yet was pulled off before the final whistle.

Liverpools defender Konate stayed sidelined due to a right thigh injury, and his role for the Iceland clash has now gone to Marseilles Benjamin Pavard.

The absence of Mbappe joins a growing roster of strikers sidelined for the October World Cup qualifiers, encompassing Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marcus Thuram, and Bradley Barcola.

Upon arriving back at the Clairefontaine training facility late Friday, the French team captain discussed his situation with manager Didier Deschamps, who accepted his withdrawal, according to a statement from the French federation (FFF).

Mbappe has been sent back to his club Real Madrid and no replacement will be brought in, the FFF noted, later verifying that Konate has also been made available to his club again.

Konate arrived with the squad nursing a minor injury and received care along with a tailored recovery plan, but he wont feature on Monday in Reykjavik, stated the FFF.

Mbappe found the net just before the break versus Azerbaijan before being hit by a challenge from Rustam Ahmedzade. Later in the match, he absorbed another blow to that same ankle and made way for Florian Thauvin.

He is nursing a painful ankle after taking a hit in that spot. He chose to exit the pitch as the discomfort was rather intense, Deschamps explained following the win for France.

Adrien Rabiot and the incoming Thauvin also contributed goals as Deschampss side stays perfect through three matches and leads Group D.

Les Bleus can clinch qualification for the event in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year by triumphing in Iceland on Monday provided Ukraine does not overcome Azerbaijan.