Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a defiant response to claims Real Madrid forced France to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the squad.

Mbappe was left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for France's Nations League clashes against Israel and Belgium. The France boss insisted this was due to fitness concerns, having just returned from an injury. However, suggestions have been made that Real Madrid may have had a hand in Mbappe's omission as the 25-year-old forward was able to take part in Los Blancos' game against Villarreal before the international break.

Mbappe has been targeted by some fans who believe he hasn't put France on the same level of importance as Real Madrid. However, Tchouameni, who has taken the France captain's armband in Mbappe's absence, has suggested that there is "no pressure from the club" for the striker to miss out.

Speaking to the media, Tchouameni said: "I have spoken about it with Kylian and with Ferland (Mendy) and it has never happened. There are physical problems, as is the case with Kylian. There is no pressure from the club."

Les Bleus will take on Israel on Thursday, October 10 before facing Belgium in a crucial clash on Monday, October 14.