Is Kylian Mbappe playing for France against Poland at Euro 2024 tonight?
France captain Kylian Mbappe will likely return to action at Euro 2024 against Poland tonight (June 24), although it's uncertain whether he'll start. The new Real Madrid superstar was an unused sub in Les Bleus' 0-0 draw with the Netherlands (June 21).
Mbappe has been absent since breaking his nose in his nation's opening 1-0 win against Austria. He collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, was left bloodied, and was forced off.
There were fears the 25-year-old would miss the rest of Euro 2024, but that isn't the case. He'll wear a mask to protect his nose and could start doing so in France's clash with Poland.
Didier Deschamps suggested that Mbappe relishes returning to the pitch against the already-eliminated Poles. His manager told reporters (via ESPN):
"He wants to play, he's raring to go. He wanted to play against the Netherlands and he wants to play tomorrow."
Kylian Mbappe impressed during France's win against Austria before his nose injury. He forced the game's only goal with a clever cross that Maximilian Wober headed into his own net.
The former PSG frontman has excelled since returning to training wearing a mask. He bagged a brace and two assists in a behind-closed-friendly ahead of the Poland clash at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Deschamps has forgotten about the mask due to Mbappe's brilliance in training (via the source above):
"To be honest, I forgot that he was wearing a mask [in training]. He was great, decisive, dangerous -- he played really well in the training session. I hope that will reflect on the pitch tomorrow."
France are already through to the knockout stages of Euro 2024, at least as a third-placed team after Albania lost to Spain in Group B. They'll advance as a top-two team if they avoid defeat to Poland or Austria don't beat the Netherlands.
Euro 2024: Kylian Mbappe sat on the bench as France struggled in front of goal against Netherlands
Kylian Mbappe will have been champing at the bit to have got on in France's stalemate with the Netherlands. The two European giants put on a lackluster showing, especially in front of goal.
Les Bleus' attackers were wasteful, and Antoine Griezmann missed a golden opportunity from five yards out. Ousmane Dembele failed to impress, and Marcus Thuram couldn't spearhead his side to victory.
The Netherlands were unfortunate not to win the game when Xavi Simons struck. The exciting attacker's goal was ruled out by VAR after they adjudged Denzel Dumfries to interfere with play in an offside position. He was standing beside France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.