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France's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, may feature in the upcoming Euro 2024 clash against the Netherlands, despite suffering a broken nose in their opener against Austria, reported by GOAL. The Real Madrid-bound superstar has hinted at his return, fueling anticipation among fans and teammates.
Mbappe sustained the injury during France's 1-0 victory over Austria, following a collision with defender Kevin Danso. This unfortunate incident left the French captain with a fractured nose. After the game, he was quickly taken to the hospital for evaluation. Initially, it was announced that surgery wouldn't be immediately necessary. However, further tests were conducted on Wednesday to assess the severity of his condition. Didier Deschamps, the French manager, had mentioned that surgery might be required eventually, but the timeline remained uncertain.
Despite the injury, Mbappe returned to training on Wednesday. According to L'Equipe, he participated in an individual routine separate from the main squad. Both Mbappe and the official French national team stirred excitement on social media with hints of his potential return. Mbappe posted two pictures on Instagram with the caption, “Without risks, there are no victories,” suggesting his determination to play. The French national team's Twitter account also posted a photo of Mbappe on the pitch with an hourglass emoji, indicating that his return might be imminent.
Other injury concerns for France
While Mbappe's potential return is a positive sign, France faces other injury worries ahead of their crucial match against the Netherlands.
Theo Hernandez, AC Milan's 26-year-old left-back, missed Wednesday's training due to muscle pain in his gluteal region. He has been focusing on fitness through individual bike workouts. If Hernandez is unable to recover in time, Deschamps has a couple of options: Ferland Mendy from Real Madrid or Eduardo Camavinga, who, despite being a midfielder, has occasionally played at left-back.
Further complicating France's preparations are the fitness issues of key defenders William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. Both players, who were instrumental in France's win over Austria, missed training due to muscular pain. Saliba, a crucial component of the French defense, and Upamecano's absence could significantly impact the team's backline stability. Deschamps might need to rethink his defensive strategy if these players remain unavailable.
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France's injury concerns extend beyond just Mbappe and Hernandez. The potential absence of Saliba and Upamecano adds to the challenges Deschamps faces in maintaining a solid defense. Balancing the squad's dynamics while integrating possible replacements will be crucial for France's success in their next match.
In a piece of positive news, veteran striker Olivier Giroud has returned to training after missing Tuesday’s session due to a minor injury. His presence adds experience and firepower to the French attack, providing Deschamps with a reliable option up front.
What’s next for Kylian Mbappe
As France prepares to face the Netherlands, managing the fitness of key players like Mbappe, Hernandez, Saliba, and Upamecano will be paramount. Deschamps needs to ensure that any lineup adjustments do not disrupt the team’s balance and cohesion. With a win, France can secure their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024, making this match crucial for their campaign.
The potential return of Mbappe has undoubtedly raised hopes among French supporters. His presence on the field could provide the necessary boost for Les Bleus as they aim to overcome Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Mbappe can defy the odds and lead France to another crucial victory at Euro 2024.
While France faces significant injury challenges, the resilience and determination shown by players like Mbappe offer a glimmer of hope. The upcoming match against the Netherlands will be a true test of their depth and adaptability as they strive to advance in the tournament.
