Kylian Mbappe Returns as Substitute Following PSG Contract Dispute Resolution

Kylian Mbappe is set to make his return to the field in Saturday's Ligue 1 match against Toulouse, albeit as a substitute, following his reinstatement into the first team following a contract dispute. The French national team captain has been absent from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since their initial pre-season friendly on July 21 and was notably absent during last weekend's 0-0 draw against Lorient in the season opener. Mbappe's exclusion from the pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea, as well as his training alongside players earmarked for transfer, stemmed from his refusal to extend his contract with PSG.

While his contract is set to expire next summer, which could potentially lead to his departure without a transfer fee, the 24-year-old player was recently brought back into the team fold after engaging in "constructive and positive discussions" with the club.

This unexpected change in direction occurred shortly before Neymar's departure to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia for a reported fee nearing 100 million euros ($109 million). French media has indicated that Mbappe's return was contingent upon Neymar's exit, with reports suggesting that this was one of the prerequisites for Mbappe's consideration of a new contract in 2022. During that period, Mbappe was heavily linked with a potential move to Real Madrid.