While in Madrid are nervous about Mbappe, he defends Yamal: "Leave the boy alone"

Real Madrid are holding their breath ahead of France's qualifier against Azerbaijan on Friday night (9.45 pm). All eyes will be on the team sheet - and whether Kylian Mbappe's name appears. The French star left the pitch against Villarreal with a sprained ankle, and though tests showed nothing serious, he's trained only once with Les Bleus.

In Madrid, they're urging caution. In Paris, Mbappe thinks otherwise.

"Clubs pay the players, yes, but for us, France always comes first," said the forward. "I feel fine, and I want to play. The coach wants that too."

Didier Deschamps confirmed he's counting on his captain: "It's nothing serious. He trained separately, but if all goes well, he'll be available."

Truth is, France don't need Mbappe for Azerbaijan or Iceland - both games should be routine. But the striker is chasing his own milestones: the captain's pride, the critics' silence, and Olivier Giroud's all-time scoring record (57 goals to Mbappe's 52). A couple of goals against modest rivals could push him to the top of the charts.

Still, in Madrid, they pray he'll start on the bench. Xabi Alonso cannot afford to lose the man responsible for 54% of Real Madrid's goals this season - 14 in just 10 matches.

Other side of the coin: Mbappe's mom reveals her son's personal struggles

Off the pitch, Mbappe showed his protective side this week. In a preview of his Universo Valdano interview on Movistar Plus+, the Frenchman defended Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal from media scrutiny.

"Leave him in peace. He's 18, he'll make mistakes like everyone. Let's focus on his football - that's where his real story is," said Mbappe.

He also addressed rumors of friction with Vinicius Junior.

"People talk because it sells. But our relationship is excellent - even better this year. We both want the same thing: to help Real Madrid win titles."

He smiled when asked if competition exists between them.

"Of course there's rivalry. That's normal. But it's healthy - and it stays on the pitch."

WC QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Thursday

Finland - Lithuania 2-1 (0-1)

/Kallman 48, Markhiev 55 - Sirvys 25/

Austria - San Marino 10-0 (6-0)

/Schmid 7, Arnautovic 8, 47, 83, 84, Gregoritsch 24, Posch 30, 42, Laimer 45, Wurmbrand 76/

Belarus - Denmark 0-6 (0-4)

/Froholdt 14, Hojlund 19, 45, Dorgu 45+6, Dreyer 66, 78/

Cyprus - B&H 2-2 (1-2)

/Laifis 45+1, Pittas 90+6 pen - Katic 10, Michail 36 og/

Czech Republic - Croatia 0-0

Faroe Islands - Montenegro 4-0 (2-0)

/Sorensen 16, 55, Frederiksberg 36, 72 pen/

Malta - Netherlands 0-4 (0-1)

/Gakpo 12 pen, 48 pen, Reijnders 57, Depay 90+3/

Scotland - Greece 3-1 (0-0)

/Christie 64, Ferguson 80, Dykes 90+3 - Tsimikas 62/

Friday

17.00: (1.12) Kazakhstan (9.50) Liechtenstein (19.0)

21.45: (1.15) Belgium (7.75) Macedonia (19.0)

21.45: (1.02) France (16.0) Azerbaijan (95.0)

21.45: (1.05) Germany (14.0) Luxembourg (35.0)

21.45: (2.95) Iceland (3.30) Ukraine (2.45)

21.45: (2.30) Kosovo (3.30) Slovenia (3.20)

21.45: (2.55) N.Ireland (3.05) Slovakia (3.00)

21.45: (2.35) Sweden (3.40) Switzerland (3.00)

Saturday

16.00: (1.55) Latvia (3.60) Andorra (7.75)

19.00: (1.37) Hungary (4.80) Armenia (9.00)

19.00: (1.20) Norway (7.25) Israel (12.0)

21.45: (11.0) Bulgaria (6.00) Turkey (1.25)

21.45: (25.0) Estonia (11.0) Italy (1.08)

21.45: (1.15) Portugal (7.75) R.Ireland (19.0)

21.45: (1.75) Serbia (3.60) Albania (5.60)

21.45: (1.12) Spain (10.0) Georgia (16.0)

***odds are subject to change***