Football News: Kylian Mbappé’s Injury Concerns France Ahead of Netherlands Clash in Euro 2024 Qualifiers
In a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match, France’s manager Didier Deschamps was unable to confirm whether star forward Kylian Mbappé will be available for their upcoming clash against the Netherlands on Friday. Mbappé suffered a badly broken nose during France’s 1-0 victory against Austria in Düsseldorf.
“He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff. I cannot tell you anything else,” Deschamps said after the match. “His nose got badly hit. We need to check that out. It is just really unfortunate right now.” When asked if Mbappé had been taken to the hospital, Deschamps said he was unsure, stating that the medical staff was still evaluating the situation.
The France manager acknowledged the importance of having Mbappé in the team, saying, “The national squad will always be stronger with Kylian. But if the news does not go along these lines, we will have to fight without him. But Kylian is Kylian and every team is stronger with him in it.”
Despite the injury concern, Deschamps was overall pleased with France’s performance in their opening Euro 2024 qualifying victory against a tough Austrian side. “It’s always good to start off with a win against an opponent that is very good, with a lot of athletic qualities, who put a lot of pressure on us,” he said. “We could have managed certain situations better, but overall I would assess the match as a positive.”
Deschamps also addressed the performance of Arsenal’s William Saliba, who was selected ahead of Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté in the centre of France’s defence. “I make choices considering all the elements I have. I know we are trying to set up a hierarchy, but sometimes it develops with what I see in training and on the pitch,” the manager said.
As the focus shifts to the crucial clash with the Netherlands, France will be anxiously awaiting updates on Kylian Mbappé’s condition and availability. The team will be determined to maintain their winning momentum in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with or without their star striker.
🔗 Source