Ethan Mbappé injured again after France U21 debut

Ethan Mbappé’s France Under-21 breakthrough has been interrupted by another injury, leaving Lille and the national team waiting for clarity on the 19-year-old winger’s condition. The setback comes after he had recently returned to regular football following a difficult spell with injuries since joining the northern club.

Mbappé made his first start for the Bleuets against Estonia in the Group C qualifiers for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship. His appearance lasted only 12 minutes. While attempting a cross, the Lille player took a blow to his ankle and went down. He tried to continue after receiving attention but was unable to do so, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya taking his place.

The seriousness of the latest problem has not yet been established. Mbappé had been sidelined for three months after an injury in January, having already experienced repeated fitness issues since his move from Paris Saint-Germain Under-19s to Lille in the 2024/25 season. His listed injury history also includes two dead-leg incidents.

The interruption is a setback for France’s attacking options as well as for Lille, where Mbappé is registered as a right winger. France also lost Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Senny Mayulu during the match, with his departure coming in the 41st minute.