(Dortmund) France star Kylian Mbappé looks set to make a return to action at Euro 2024.
The striker suffered a broken nose in France’s 1-0 win over Austria and did not play in Friday’s 0-0 draw with the Netherlands.
France coach Didier Deschamps didn’t reveal much on Monday when asked if Mbappé was available for his team’s final Group D match on Tuesday against Poland.
PHOTO HASSAN AMMAR, ASSOCIATED PRESS
France coach Didier Deschamp
“He’s getting better every day. Yesterday he was at our practice, the swelling has gone down and he is getting used to playing with a mask, Deschamps said. He wants to play. He wanted to play against the Netherlands and he wants to play against Poland. »
A bigger clue may have been given by one of Mbappé’s teammates. Midfielder N’Golo Kanté said “it’s a huge advantage to have him in the team.”
“He was very good, decisive and dangerous,” Kanté said of Mbappé’s performance in training. I think he feels good and I hope that translates onto the field tomorrow. »
Mbappé wore a mask when he played a behind-closed-doors match against a local team on Saturday, and he has done so every day in training.
PHOTO HASSAN AMMAR, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kylian Mbappé adjusting his mask during training, June 20
Deschamps said the mask limited Mbappé’s vision, but he wouldn’t describe it as a “constraint.”
“For breathing, no, but it limits the way he sees,” explained Deschamps. Maybe it’s awkward, but it’s something he’ll get used to. »
France will ensure a presence in the elimination phase by obtaining a point against Poland.