France manager Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappe is “raring to go,” suggesting the forward could return for their final Euro 2024 group game against Poland, Soccernet.football reports.
Mbappe broke his nose in a collision with Kevin Danso during the win over Austria in their opening game and was forced to watch the goalless draw with the Netherlands last Friday from the sidelines as a result.
Now fitted with a protective mask, the France captain is back in full training and scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday.
France are yet to secure a place in the knockout stages, but they will if they avoid defeat against Poland, whose elimination from the tournament has already been confirmed.
After struggling to break down a stubborn Dutch defense, Mbappe’s return would be a welcome development for Les Blues and Deschamps, although the gaffer admits adjusting to the mask could be challenging.
“It’s better every day,” Deschamps said. “He was in our training sessions. The bruise has gone down a lot. He’s getting used to the mask.
“He wants to play, he’s raring to go. He wanted to play against the Netherlands, and he wants to play tomorrow.
“[He has] no problems with breathing but the way he sees, yes. For those who play with a mask, it’s not a constraint, but it does limit your vision. He wears it because he needs to protect his face in certain incidents that could occur.
“There will be contact regardless of where you play, whenever you have those one-vs-ones. Obviously, yes, it’s maybe hindering, but it’ll be something he’ll get used to. It’s like wearing those 3D glasses. We have as thin a mask as possible.”