The Real Madrid attacker had played a starring role just days earlier, scoring twice in a commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine that sealed Les Bleus' place at the 2026 finals. But with qualification already secured, Mbappe departed the France camp citing ankle inflammation that required further checks by Real Madrid's medical team.
Instead of heading straight back to the Spanish capital, Mbappe jetted off to Dubai for a short break, a move that quickly fuelled talk of a "diplomatic injury". Photos emerged of his luggage tagged for the Emirates, and he was later spotted at a luxury hotel and a padel club.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo moved quickly to shut down the noise, telling L'Equipe the episode was a "non-topic".
Back in Madrid, Mbappe sat out Wednesday's training session at Valdebebas along with all of Real's other returning internationals. Sources close to the club confirmed the absence was planned rest rather than any fresh setback.
Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have given their international stars extended recovery time after the November break. Mbappe is expected to resume full training on Friday and line up against Elche in La Liga this weekend, with the club calm about a minor issue that has lingered since early October.
For a player of Mbappe's explosive pace and relentless schedule, careful load management is no surprise, but the Dubai detour has once again put the France captain under the spotlight ahead of a packed festive period for the European champions.
Dani Olmo is set to take centre stage as Barcelona prepare for their long-awaited return to the rebuilt Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, with Hansi Flick confirming that the Spain international will play a key role in a midfield reshuffle.
Barcelona have been left with an unexpected selection problem after Marcus Rashford missed a second consecutive training session ahead of Saturday's La Liga meeting with Athletic Club at Camp Nou.
Antoine Griezmann has underlined his determination to remain a driving force at Atletico Madrid after agreeing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Barcelona's challenging 2025-26 season has been hit by yet another injury blow, with promising Barca Atletic defender Landry Farre ruled out for between three and four months due to a lateral collateral ligament injury in his right knee.
