Rennes goalkeeper and France national team's third goalkeeper Blaise Samba defended Kylian Mbappe, who has been involved in a public controversy, at a press conference on Thursday. The latter caused controversy by missing the game against Azerbaijan and traveling to Dubai.

Mbappe has been in constant turmoil recently: first he missed the French team's match against Azerbaijan, and then he was photographed appearing at a paddle tennis club in Dubai with other celebrities. All this adds fuel to the controversy surrounding the French captain.

His national team teammate Blaise Samba was blunt when asked about the matter on Thursday: "It's you (the media) who are creating controversy."

"Our team has no objection to this. I don't know the specific process, and I don't know how he communicated with the coach. Since the coach said that he did have an ankle injury, then he It's just a real injury. I don't understand why you want to fabricate false news for no reason. "

Mbappe scored two goals in last Thursday's game against Ukraine (4-0). This victory also helped the French team successfully qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Later, he was allowed to miss the game against Azerbaijan due to what was officially claimed to be minor physical discomfort.

"I think there is no need to take risks, after all, we have already qualified. Kylian's ankle (right foot) has been suffering from inflammation, and I have handed him back to Real Madrid and its medical team, who will decide on the follow-up treatment plan. " France coach Didier Deschamps explained. However, as reported by RMC Sports, some public opinion questioned whether this was "special treatment".

"I see the controversy that Kylian has privileges, but no one in the French team has privileges. We all know what a champion player he is. I will not go into details, these questions should be asked to the coach. The facts are there, that's all. " Samba added. The goalkeeper was on the bench throughout France's two games against Ukraine (4-0) and Azerbaijan (3-1).

For Real Madrid, Mbappe is expected to start in the away game against Elche in the 13th round of La Liga this Sunday.