France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps has provided an update on Kylian Mbappe’s fitness as the star forward recovers from a broken nose sustained in their Euro 2024 opening match against Austria. While uncertainty remains about Mbappe’s participation in France’s final Group D game against Poland, Deschamps offered encouraging news regarding his captain’s recovery progress. The incident occurred during the match against Austria, leaving fans and the team anxious about his availability for the remainder of the Euro 2024 tournament.
Speaking on French television programme Telefoot on Sunday, Deschamps remained coy about whether Mbappe would play against Poland in Dortmund on Tuesday. However, he reassured supporters that Mbappe’s recovery is on track. “You will see [whether he plays or not],” Deschamps stated, adding, “but everything is going in the right direction, he is recovering from the blow, the bruising is decreasing every day, and he will get used to his mask. He is doing well.” This update suggests that while his participation is not guaranteed, Mbappe is making positive strides in his recovery.
Following France’s goalless draw against the Netherlands in Leipzig, a match where Mbappe remained an unused substitute, there has been considerable discussion in the French media regarding the team’s attacking capabilities. Notably, France has only scored once in their last three outings, which was an own goal by Austrian defender Maximilian Wober in their initial Euro 2024 Group D encounter in Duesseldorf. This has raised questions about France’s offensive potency in the tournament and whether Mbappe’s absence is significantly impacting their attack.
When questioned about potential changes to the attack, especially given France’s comfortable position with four points and a strong likelihood of advancing to the last 16, Deschamps remained tight-lipped. “I have planned a team which will ensure qualification and the best possible finish in the group,” he stated. “We will always hope to get a little more recovery [for some players]. You deduce from that what you want,” he added, hinting at possible squad rotation or strategic decisions depending on player fitness.
Mbappe’s teammates have indicated the 25-year-old is eager to return to the pitch. After participating in a training scrimmage against a local academy team for an hour on Saturday, his desire to play is evident. “When he was on the pitch, he was 100 percent at it. He is getting used to his mask, and he scored,” defender Jonathan Clauss revealed. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni further commented, “I think he wants to play the next match. He might like to play without the mask, but the doctor isn’t going to give him the choice,” highlighting Mbappe’s eagerness despite medical precautions.
The situation remains fluid as France prepares for their crucial Euro 2024 match against Poland. Football fans worldwide are keenly awaiting updates on whether Kylian Mbappe, a key player for France, will overcome his injury setback and lead his team in their quest for Euro 2024 glory. His presence, especially after the injury sustained against Austria, is seen as vital for France’s ambitions in the tournament. The final decision will likely depend on medical assessments closer to the match day and Deschamps’ strategic considerations for Euro 2024.
Source: News Agencies
