Mbappe Misses Out: Henry Names France Squad for Home Olympics
French football fans were surprised on June 23rd when coach Thierry Henry unveiled a provisional 25-man squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics, and the name Kylian Mbappé was notably absent.
Mbappé, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. This, coupled with the demanding club schedule, seems to be the reason behind his omission from the initial selection.
While Mbappe isn’t definitively ruled out, his participation appears unlikely. Coach Henry did express his frustration with clubs blocking players from national team duties, but it remains to be seen if there will be any changes before the final squad is announced on July 3rd.
Who Leads the Line in Mbappe’s Absence?
In the absence of the PSG superstar, the goalscoring responsibility is expected to fall on experienced shoulders. Alexandre Lacazette of Olympique Lyonnais is a frontrunner to lead the attack. Other noteworthy names in the squad include:
- Crystal Palace duo: Jean-Philippe Mateta (forward) and Michael Olise (midfielder)
- Paris Saint-Germain’s young talent: Warren Zaire-Emery (midfielder)
- Bayern Munich’s rising star: Mathys Tel (forward)
This group offers a blend of experience and exciting young prospects. Coach Henry will be hoping they can gel quickly and challenge for gold on home soil.
Mbappe Saga Continues
The exclusion of Mbappe adds another layer to the ongoing transfer saga. With Real Madrid reportedly keen on securing his signature, his participation in the Olympics seems increasingly doubtful. This is a blow for both the player, who might miss a chance to shine on the biggest sporting stage in his home country, and the French team, who would undoubtedly benefit from his world-class talent.
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Final Word
The final France squad for the Olympics will be announced on July 3rd. Whether Mbappe makes a dramatic return or the team goes forward with the current selection remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the absence of the young superstar adds intrigue to the competition and opens doors for other players to stake their claim for glory.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
