{
  "id": 9959611,
  "title": "Mbappe injury blow for Zidane, Mancini's nightmare return and Isak on target in Nations League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/mbappe-injury-blow-for-zidane-mancinis-nightmare-return-and-isak-on-9959611",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T09:53:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/09/26/mbappe-injury-blow-for-zidane-mancinis-nightmare-return-and-isak-on-target-in-nations-league/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury to his left knee while scoring the opening goal for France in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 opener against Turkey at the Kocaeli Stadium. The 24-year-old was substituted shortly after and later confirmed to have a tendon tear, ruling him out for the remainder of the training camp. France's coach, Zinedine Zidane, expressed disappointment over the injury, stating that Mbappe would have to leave the country for treatment. Despite the setback, Zidane praised his team's performance, emphasizing their high press and cohesive play despite the challenging atmosphere. Turkey, meanwhile, defended their efforts, acknowledging France's strong performance and even goal attempts. The match served as a somber return for Roberto Mancini, who led Italy as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in Rome, marking his first competitive game as manager. Mancini dismissed the jeers from home fans as a normal part of any return to the sport. Elsewhere, Alexander Isak continued his impressive form by scoring Sweden's opening goal against Romania in Group B4, marking the Swedish captain's 19th goal in 63 caps.",
  "summary": "Kylian Mbappe injured his knee scoring the goal that earned Zinedine Zidane victory in his first match in charge of France. Former Real Madrid manager Zidane saw his team defeat Turkey 1-0 in their Uefa Nations League Group A1 opener at the Kocaeli Stadium when Mbappe starting on the left of a front three alongside Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. And the Madrid forward fired home a low finish…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Mbappe injury blow for Zidane, Mancini's nightmare return and Isak on target in Nations League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/mbappe-injury-blow-for-zidane-mancinis-nightmare-return-and-isak-on",
        "published": "2026-09-26T09:53:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Le Monde English",
        "title": "Zidane wins on France coaching debut, but Mbappé injury clouds victory",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/zidane-wins-on-france-coaching-debut-but-mbappe-injury-clouds-victory",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:35:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}