Kylian Mbappé is “can’t wait to go” for the final match of the Euro 2024 group stage between France and Poland, says Didier Deschamps… after the masked captain of the Blues scored twice in a friendly match behind closed doors.
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Kylian Mbappé is “raring to go” for France’s clash with Poland, according to Didier Deschamps, after missing their final Euro 2024 match due to a broken nose.
The striker was injured in the Blues’ opening group game, a 1-0 win over Austria, after colliding with defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder.
But Mbappe took a step closer to a return after playing against German Under-21 side Paderborn on Saturday, a significant boost for boss Deschamps.
Now the 55-year-old has revealed the striker is close to making a return to the French team and insisted Mbappe is “getting used to the mask”.
Deschamps said: “It’s better every day. He was at our training sessions. The blue has diminished a lot. He’s getting used to the mask.
Kylian Mbappé is “impatient to go” for the clash between France and Poland, according to Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps (right) revealed the French star is ‘getting used to’ his protective mask
“He wants to play, he can’t wait to go. He wanted to play against the Netherlands and he wants to play tomorrow.
After missing their 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Friday, Mbappe instead took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly where he let loose against the German minnows.
Sporting a stylish black mask, Mbappe scored twice and provided two assists, having played in each of the 30-minute halves of the friendly match.
Both teams were asked to avoid violent contact to minimize the risk of injury and Mbappé emerged unscathed on the left side of the French front line.
The match also allowed Mbappé, 25, to test the mask designed to protect his face after his nose was broken earlier in the tournament.
Deschamps continues: “No breathing problem but his way of seeing yes. For those who play with a mask, it is not a constraint but it limits vision.
Mbappe was forced to watch from the bench as France drew 0-0 with the Netherlands.
“He wears it because he needs to protect his face during certain incidents that might occur. There will be contact no matter where you play, every time you have those one-on-ones.
“Obviously, yes, it might be awkward, but it will be something he gets used to. It’s like wearing these 3D glasses. We have masks that are as thin as possible.
“Maybe Kylian will help us score goals and win the match, that’s a huge advantage. I hope that will be reflected on the pitch tomorrow.
France currently sit second in Group D, tied on points with the Netherlands, and have effectively secured their place in the round of 16 of the tournament.
