'It changes everything': Zidane welcomes Mbappé's return from injury

France head coach Zinedine Zidane believes Kylian Mbappé's return from injury "changes everything" as his side prepare for a crucial Nations League clash against Türkiye.

Mbappé missed France's 3-1 defeat to Italy on Thursday with a hamstring problem, a result that swung Group A1 wide open ahead of the final games.

The defeat, which was Zidane's first since taking over from Didier Deschamps, leaves France second in the group, level on points with leaders Italy, ahead of hosting Türkiye in Bordeaux on Sunday, when Italy travel to third-placed Belgium.

A draw would be enough for France to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, and Mbappé's return gives them a timely boost.

The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal in the reverse fixture against Türkiye, though he then missed France's next three matches through injury.

"It changes everything; we prefer to have him than not have him," said Zidane at Saturday's press conference.

"There's no problem, he'll be with us. You'll see how we play. These are coaching matters.

"Normally, we are all available to train. But we have to wait for the last training session.

"We know what we did in Italy. We did some good things, but when you lose, there are things that didn't go so well.

"Even if a point is enough, our objective is always to win the match. We'll have to play a great match."

There have been reports in the French media of tension between Zidane and Mbappé, but the 54-year-old was quick to brush those off.

"I don't understand, but it's not a big deal," he said of the reports. "That's why I'm not going to get into the debate.

"I have the relationship of a coach with his player, and it's going perfectly. I can't stop people from saying what's being said. But it's nonsense. It's a shame and quite annoying."

Lucas Da Cunha, who has been given plenty of playing time in France's midfield under Zidane, also welcomed Mbappé's return.

"Kylian is with us; he's in good shape. He's available like everyone else. We feel him with us," said the Como midfielder.

"We're all confident; nobody has a problem. We're all together and ready to face this match.

"He always has a very important role in this group, both on and off the field. He is super important for us, for the team.

"He has a great hunger, and he will be ready to help us as he does every time."