"Has teammates around him who play the same" - Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe accused of receiving 'special treatment' at France national team

Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Jerome Rothen has questioned the favorable treatment given to Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe by France boss Didier Deschamps. He claimed the striker was faking injuries to sit out matches, and that management was allowing it.

Speaking on RMC Sport, Rothen was furious that Mbappe was allegedly getting special treatment compared to the other French players. He wants the Real Madrid striker to be present for all national team matches and not skip them because the FIFA World Cup qualification was sealed.

He said (via Football Espana):

“In the 80th minute, with the 4-0 in favour, we all wondered how long it would take for an alleged injury to occur. Mbappe is the captain of France, he receives special treatment and that seems good to me. But he has teammates around him who play the same number of games or more than him in a year. Do you think they are not tired and would not prefer to avoid this inconsequential match in Baku? Yes, but they will go because they have to go.

“They qualified, so far so good, but when things get complicated… . Decisions like these can cause problems in the dressing room, and I am convinced that there are players fed up with this favourable treatment.”

However, Emmanuel Petit jumped in defense of Mbappe, stating that the Real Madrid star was the best player in the side and should not be criticized. He slammed Rothen for trying to create issues and said:

“I criticised him last year for not going to Sweden, but now you are trying to create a scandal where there is none. Even if it bothers someone in the dressing room, we are talking about the best player of all (in the squad).”

France face Azerbaijan in their final FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday, November 16.

Kylian Mbappe returns to Real Madrid after picking up injury

Kylian Mbappe left the France national team camp after picking up an ankle injury. He is set to undergo tests after returning to Real Madrid, with the doctors optimistic that he will be available for the next match.

The Frenchman was joined by Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga on his way back to the club. The 23-year-old has a minor muscle injury and has left the national camp as well.

Los Blancos face Elche next in La Liga, followed by Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League. They have Girona in the league in the final match in November.