Euro 2024: Kylian Mbappe 'moving in right direction' as Didier Deschamps is hopeful of forward's fitness for Netherlands
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Published 20/06/2024 at 18:29 GMT+1
France boss Didier Deschamps has said that "everything is moving in the right direction" for Kylian Mbappe to be available to play against the Netherlands in his country's second Euro 2024 match on Friday. The 25-year-old was forced off during Monday's 1-0 victory over Austria after breaking his nose in a collision with Kevin Danso's shoulder.
Mbappe to avoid surgery on broken nose - FFF president Diallo
France captain Kylian Mbappe looks set to be available for the Euro 2024 clash against the Netherlands, with coach Didier Deschamps saying "everything is going in the right direction."
The 25-year-old forward was forced off with a broken nose during Monday's 1-0 win over Austria, throwing his availability for Friday's game into question.
A collision with Kevin Danso's shoulder caused the injury in an aerial challenge. And the break was confirmed at Dusseldorf Hospital.
“Everything is going in the right direction after this major shock," Deschamps said to Eurosport on Thursday.
Deschamps continued: “It’s moving in the right direction to ensure that he can be available on Friday.
"We’ll make sure he’s available, I repeat.”
Antoine Griezmann added to his manager's comments, saying: "He's doing very well, his nose has deflated. We'll see until the last moment, depending on his feelings."
The vice-captain said that if Mbappe was unavailable, the team would find a way to adapt.
“He’s one of the best players in the world," the Atletico Madrid player said. "Having him or not makes a huge difference. You always have to adapt in football. No matter tomorrow, we will have to adapt for everyone, that must be our strength too.”
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'Any ideas for masks?' - France sweat on Mbappe's broken nose
In training, Mbappe wore a mask, and Deschamps confirmed that the striker would have to wear one against the Oranje.
"What is certain is that he will have to wear one,” Deschamps told the media.
The soon-to-be Real Madrid player has not yet scored at this year's European Championship but has netted 47 goals in 80 appearances for his country.
Following the game with the Dutch, France close out their group against Poland on Tuesday.
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