Michael Olise has been called up again to the French national team for their upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, as Kylian Mbappe is rested due to an ongoing injury. The 22-year-old midfielder, born in England, made his international debut last month, and with Antoine Griezmann’s recent retirement from international football, Olise has earned another selection by manager Didier Deschamps.
Mbappe, who sustained a muscle injury while playing for Real Madrid in La Liga, managed 35 minutes during the club’s 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League. However, Deschamps opted to leave him out of the national squad to avoid any risks.
“He has a problem that is not serious. I’m not here to take risks, which is why Kylian isn’t on the list,” Deschamps said during a press conference.
Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku also returns to the squad, earning his first call-up in 15 months after last featuring in France’s 1-0 win against Greece.
France currently sits second in Group A2 of the Nations League, with three points from two games, trailing Italy by three points. They face Israel in Budapest on October 10, followed by Belgium in Brussels on October 14.