Kylian Mbappe Downplays Injury Concerns Ahead of Euro 2024

Kylian Mbappe, the French football star, has downplayed injury fears ahead of Euro 2024, despite being benched in France’s final warm-up game against Canada. The match ended in a goalless draw, with Mbappe coming on for the final 15 minutes.

Mbappe, whose move to Real Madrid was recently confirmed, missed training with the national team on Saturday, just nine days before the Euros kick off in Germany. France’s campaign begins against Austria on Monday, June 17.

Although reports suggested Mbappe had been struggling with a back problem, he appeared fit enough to feature late in the game in Bordeaux. He left the stadium without visible signs of injury, telling reporters, “It is going very well” as he passed through the mixed zone.

France manager Didier Deschamps also played down injury concerns, stating that Mbappe had received a blow during a previous match and had significant bruising on the knee. However, after treatment, he was much better, and there was no risk in him playing.

Mbappe’s new Real Madrid teammate, Aurélien Tchouaméni, also missed the game against Canada due to a foot injury. He is expected to miss France’s opening group match against Austria and is unlikely to feature until the second group game against the Netherlands on June 21, with N’Golo Kante expected to start in his place.

France, among the favorites to win Euro 2024, reached the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but faced a disappointing end in their last Euros campaign, crashing out at the last stage after a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland.