Breaking: Kylian Mbappe benched for Euro 2024 clash between France and Netherlands
Kylian Mbappe has been named only on the bench for France's Euro 2024 Group D clash against Netherlands at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. The Frenchman collided with Austrian centre-back Kevin Danso in Les Bleus' opening game win and suffered a broken nose.
While it was initially claimed he would have to undergo surgery, Mbappe was cleared to play by wearing a mask instead. And although the Real Madrid superstar trained with the team, he has not been risked for the high-profile clash against Netherlands.
Notably, Aurelien Tchouameni returns to the line-up for France, who will be eyeing securing their spot in the knockout rounds with a win. Didier Deschamps' men registered a 1-0 win in the opening game against Austria.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands also come into the game on the back of a win. Ronald Koeman's side came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Poland. Wout Weghorst came off the bench to score the winner in that game, but he is not part of the starting XI to face France.
Netherlands' only change comes in the form of Jeremie Frimpong, who replaces Joey Veerman in the line-up.
France will have their task cut-out in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, especially since he played an influential role in their win over Austria.
EURO 2024: Netherlands vs France full line-ups as Kylian Mbappe misses out
France XI: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot; Marcus Thuram, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele
Netherlands XI: Bart Verbrugenn; Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake; Jerdy Schouten, Tijjani Reijnders; Jeremie Frimpong, Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo; Memphis Depay
France and Netherlands are currently level on points with Austria, who have played an extra game, in Group B. Whoever wins will be favorites to progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2024.