Ibrahima Konate has sent a message of support to Kylian Mbappe amid speculation over the Real Madrid star's absence for France.

Mbappe was left out of France's squad for their final Nations League games this year against Israel and Italy, with rumors swirling about his private life. French boss Didier Deschamps failed to clear things up when he refused to disclose the reason for the forward's omission.

Deschamps though did confirm that Mbappe had wanted to be selected, creating more confusion as to why he was missing. In his absence, France were held to a goalless draw against Israel on Thursday.

"It's a fact that he's in a complicated situation," Deschamps said. "I'm behind him. He is going through a period that is not the happiest of his career. He wanted to come, I repeat. But I think it's better right now for him.

"Everyone has the right to have a complicated period, there is the physical, psychological aspect.

"There are always interpretations, whether I speak or not. I am careful to weigh my words, but I do not want to fuel debates that lead nowhere. He's not here."

Speaking to Telefoot, Liverpool defender Konate was asked about Mbappe, and offered his support to the Real Madrid star: "Beyond being a footballer, he is one of my friends, someone that I have a lot of affection for. If Kylian has psychological problems in his life, we'll always be there to help him.

Konate could soon find himself coming up against Mbappe, with Liverpool hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Reds could take another big step toward qualifying for the competition's knockout stages with a win over the defending champions, having already recorded victories in their opening four games.

Mbappe has eight goals from 16 appearances since making the move to the Bernabeu from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, with some questions having been asked about whether he has in fact made the Spanish giant weaker. Real currently trails Barcelona by six points in La Liga - albeit with a game in hand - while they sit 18th in the league phase of the Champions League, having lost two of their opening four games.