France dealt another injury blow after Kylian Mbappe ahead of Euro 2024 clash against Netherlands: Reports
France's Euro 2024 injury problems have reportedly continued as Olivier Giroud joined Kylian Mbappe in sustaining an injury in their 1-0 win against Austria. The soon-to-be Los Angeles FC striker is expected to lead the line in their second Group D game against the Netherlands on Friday (June 21).
RMC Sport reports that Giroud missed Les Bleus' training session on Tuesday. He sustained a minor abductor injury in his nation's opening win against Ralf Rangnick's Austria.
Giroud, 37, joined Mbappe, 25, in sitting out France's training session after the new Real Madrid superstar broke his nose. He was left bloodied after a collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, and Giroud replaced him.
The veteran striker picked up an abductor injury despite spending a limited amount of time on the pitch. It's only considered minor, and he's likely to resume training on Wednesday.
France boss Didier Deschamps will be eager for the national team's all-time top scorer to be fit and ready for the Netherlands. According to ESPN, Mbappe will definitely miss that clash, and a decision will be made over his participation against Poland.
Mbappe played a key role in Les Bleus' win at Dusseldorf Arena on Monday night. He forced Maximillian Wober to put the ball in the back of his own net in the 38th minute.
France's win sent them level with the Netherlands at the top of Group D. Ronald Koeman's Oranje beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday to kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign.
"We are disappointed" - Olivier Giroud rued Kylian Mbappe's injury despite France's Euro 2024 opening win
Giroud admitted France's win against Austria was marred by Kylian Mbappe's nose injury. The former Arsenal frontman hoped for his teammate to make a quick recovery, telling reporters post-match (via CGTN Sports Scene):
"It's a contrast between the fact that we won a match and that we are disappointed because of Kylian. I wish he recovers as soon as possible."
Kylian Mbappe is France's protagonist, having starred since debuting in March 2017 at 18. He won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He has bagged 47 goals and 34 assists in 80 caps.
The prolific center-forward headed into Euro 2024 with his club future the hot topic of speculation. A long-awaited move to Madrid was confirmed, and he'll officially arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu next month.