Kylian Mbappe returns to training ahead of France's Euro 2024 clash against the Netherlands
France captain Kylian Mbappe has returned to training for Les Bleus as they prepare to face the Netherlands in their second group game at Euro 2024. The Real Madrid star picked up an injury in the opening game against Austria after colliding with a defender.
Mbappe is one of the finest players in world football and is expected to light up the European Championship this summer with his quality. His injury against Austria threatened to end that possibility, but it has been decided that he will not undergo surgery on his broken nose.
France returned to training for their game against the Netherlands, and captain Kylian Mbappe was spotted running by himself, in a video released by RMC Sport. The 25-year-old had a band-aid on his nose but looked to be in good spirits as he joked with Didier Deschamps.
Watch the video here:
Mbappe is expected to miss the Netherlands game unless he can get a mask fitted before then, and will likely return against Poland. The Real Madrid star trained alone in the video and is yet to return to full team training for his side.
France won their first game against Austria thanks to an unfortunate own goal, with Mbappe leaving the pitch after his collision with Kevin Danso in the second half. Les Bleus will expect a much tougher test against the Dutch, who have some of Europe's biggest names in their squad and won their opener against Poland.
Juventus star trusts France team to get on without Kylian Mbappe
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has revealed that he trusts the quality of his teammates to get the job done in the absence of influential captain Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid forward left the pitch bloodied with a broken nose in their opening game against Austria.
Rabiot started the game against Austria and witnessed first-hand what happened to Mbappe. He spoke at a press conference about the level of the players on the French roster and expressed his confidence that they will continue to get results in the absence of their captain.
"It is a blow. He is an important player, our captain, a leader. Naturally, that will weigh on us, notably for opponents too, in the way in which they prepare for their matches but we have an exceptional group. When you look at the guys that we have on the bench, we have the means to replace Kylian. It is a blow but I have full confidence in our guys," Rabiot said.
Kylian Mbappe may return to action in the final group game against Poland, but some have spoken about a 15-day recovery period from his injury. This may rule him out until the quarterfinals if they make it to the stage.