France coach Didier Deschamps has said that Aurélien Tchouaméni will remain the team’s captain in the absence of Kylian Mbappé.

The 25-year-old was controversially omitted from the France squad, and Antoine Griezmann announced a shock retirement from international football ahead of the international break. This made the French boss designate a new captain for the UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. 

Those in contention for the armband include Mika Maignan, Ibrahima Konaté, and Jules Koundé. Still, ultimately, the Real Madrid midfielder had the honor of wearing the armband in Budapest against Israel on Thursday.

Having said before that match against Israel that the captaincy may change hands again for Monday’s match against Belgium, Deschamps seems to have changed his mind.

Having worn it in the 4-1 victory over Israel, Tchouaméni now looks to retain it against Belgium. It was reported that the Madrid midfielder was absent from training on Saturday as a precaution, but should he be fit enough to start, he will retain the captaincy.

“If he is feeling well and plays, he will be the captain,” confirmed Deschamps in an interview with Téléfoot.  

The France captain’s absence was a surprise, having played for the Champions League winners a week before the international break. The coach had cleared the air, saying it was a decision to leave the star out after an agreement between them and his club.

In his reaction to leading the team to a 4-1 win over Israel in the UEFA Nations League tie,  Tchouaméni showed his emotions, saying it was an indescribable moment for him.

Speaking with Téléfoot, the 24-year-old  said it was a drama come true.

“It was something I dreamed of when I was younger.”

He is now expecting to lead Les Bleus in their second match of the international break against Belgium on Monday at the King Baudouin Stadium.