Didier Deschamps 'will call Kylian Mbappe and discuss his future as France captain' - as Premier League star's leadership impresses chiefs in Real Madrid man's absence

• e-mail

Didier Deschamps will reportedly call up Kylian Mbappe and discuss his future as France captain after the striker was left out of their recent squad.

The Real Madrid superstar, who had been an integral part of Deschamps' side since winning the World Cup in 2018, was not involved during the international breaks in October and November.

Initially, he had been injured and elected to focus on his recovery rather than join up with the side. However, for the latest squad, Deschamps explained it was a 'one-off choice' to snub the forward.

Now, reports suggest that Deschamps has plans to speak with the Real Madrid star and discuss his future as the France captain - as his international career hits yet another obstacle. 

According to L'Equipe, the head coach intends to talk to Mbappe to find whether the burden of captaincy has become too heavy or not. 

In Mbappe's absence over the two international breaks, three players - N'Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ibrahimi Konate - have all rotated the armband. 

Kylian Mbappe's future as France captain has come into doubt after his recent omission

Didier Deschamps will reportedly call the forward to discuss the captaincy role with him

The outlet further claim that Les Bleus staff were left particularly impressed by the leadership qualities shown by Liverpool defender Konate.

Konate impressed so much that he's been earmarked as a potential future captain of the national side, as long as he's able to secure a starting place in the line-up.

The 25-year-old wore the armband on Sunday night as Les Bleus breezed past Italy 3-1 in their Nations League clash - thanks to a brace from Adrien Rabiot and an own-goal from Guglielmo Vicario. 

Earlier this month, speaking after announcing his squad, Deschamps said: 'I had a couple of talks with Mbappe, and I took the decision to leave him out this time.

'What I can tell you are these two things: One, that Kylian wanted to come. And two, it's not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist. It's a one-off choice for this gathering.'

According to L'Equipe, sources close to Mbappe have challenged Deschamps' claim, insisting that the situation is 'a lot more complex'.

The source said: 'It is an incorrect version or incomplete from the truth. It is a lot more complex than that. 

'Making people believe that it is the manager’s decision is false. But the most important thing, first of all, is that Kylian can re-discover happiness playing football. The rest will follow.'

Mbappe was injured for October's international fixtures but was overlooked for November's

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate particularly impressed France staff during a cameo as captain

However, after their draw against Israel, Deschamps came forward to reiterate that there was no issue with him and the Real Madrid star. 

'There is no sanction,' Deschamps said after the game, once again being quizzed on his captain's absence.

'It's a fact that he's in a complicated situation. I'm behind him. He is going through a period that is not the happiest of his career. He wanted to come, I repeat. But I think it's better right now for him,' he continued.

He added: 'Everyone has the right to have a complicated period, there is the physical, psychological aspect.

'There are always interpretations, whether I speak or not. I am careful to weigh my words, but I do not want to fuel debates that lead nowhere. He's not here.'