Will Kylian Mbappe start for France in their Euro 2024 clash against Poland? Report sheds light on his availability
Kylian Mbappe will reportedly start for France against Poland in their final Group D at Euro 2024 on Tuesday (June 25). Les Bleus' captain sat out his side's 0-0 draw against the Netherlands due to a nose injury.
La Parisien reports that Mbappe will start against Poland, a game his nation need to prevail in to win their group. The soon-to-be Real Madrid forward missed the Netherlands game due to a broken nose he suffered in an opening 1-0 victory against Austria. He's since trained two days in a row in the build-up to the final group game and had no problems.
Kylian Mbappe, 25, has worn a protective mask during training as his nose heals. He was left bloodied after colliding with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, and there were fears that his Euro 2024 campaign could be over.
However, the former PSG frontman has been excelling in training while he recovers from his nose injury. He reportedly hit a brace and provided two assists during one of France's sessions after the Netherlands draw.
Mbappe's firepower was missing in Les Bleus' stalemate with the Dutch last Friday (June 21). Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele were wasteful in front of goal in Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Poland are already out of Euro 2024 after suffering defeats to Netherlands (2-1) and Austria (3-1). Deschamps' 2018 FIFA World Cup winners are expected to ease past the Poles at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
France's Aurelien Tchouameni insisted Kylian Mbappe is adapting to his protective mask at Euro 2024
Aurelien Tchouameni downplayed any concerns regarding Kylian Mbappe's protective mask bothering the prolific frontman. His future Madrid teammate hinted that the nation's third all-time top scorer was relishing facing Poland (via The Independent):
"It’s no secret that he’s really looking forward to the next game, and as far as the mask is concerned, he’s starting to get used to it. Obviously he would have preferred to play without it, but I think if you ask the doctor, he’s not going to give him the choice."
Kylian Mbappe had worn a tricolor France mask when he initially returned to training. UEFA reportedly wouldn't allow him to wear it because medical equipment must be one color.
The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner has instead donned a black mask and will likely do so against Poland. He headed into Euro 2024 in red-hot form and with his club future sorted. A long-awaited move to Madrid was confirmed, ending years of speculation over a Santiago Bernabeu transfer.
The France skipper registered 44 goals and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions. Deschamps will be eager for his captain to be at his best if he does return against Poland and for the rest of the tournament.