Coach Deschamps offers optimism yet faces tough decisions
Football ace Kylian Mbappe has received a nasty knock during the game against Austria, potentially breaking his nose. It's uncertain if the French sensation will suit up for the next EM group stage match against the Netherlands. Mbappe and his crew are keeping tight-lipped about his health situation, leaving the Grande Nation in a mix of hope and worry. Will Mbappe take the field with a plastered nose in the EM showdown against the Netherlands?
The French Football Federation (FFF) is treating Mbappe's health status like a classified secret, with Mbappe himself keeping the eager fans of the Équipe Tricolore in the dark. In a cryptic social media post, Mbappe wrote, "Without risks, there are no victories."
On Wednesday evening, Mbappe participated in a solo athletic session at France's team quarters, sporting a large bandage on his injured nose, and shared a chat with National Coach Didier Deschamps. As promised, the FFF had scheduled an update on Mbappe's condition for Wednesday, but no news emerged. During the press conference before the second group match against the Netherlands on Friday (9 pm/ARD and MagentaTV), Deschamps provided some insight. "Things are moving in the right direction, and he might be available tomorrow. We will give it our all," the head coach declared.
His teammates also sounded optimistic. "Great news, he improved today," shared William Saliba, mentioning that Mbappe underwent some tests. Antoine Griezmann, on the contrary, stated, "We will wait until the last possible moment." After Mbappe suffered a nose injury in the closing stages of the opening victory against Austria (1:0), the FFF only disclosed that a mask would be created to allow "a return to play after a certain period of treatment." This leaves Deschamps with a tough decision.
The Irreplaceable Mbappe
Should he safeguard his world-class asset, Mbappe, from the formidable Dutch defenders, notably Virgil van Dijk, for the rest of the tournament, where Mbappe plays a significant role amidst the domestic political discussions? Or should he gamble the pivotal group victory and let the prospective Real Madrid striker play behind a mask?
The truth is: In the highly-ranked French squad, Mbappe might be the only player who can't be swapped out. A potential absence against the Netherlands would be "a heavy blow," according to Adrien Rabiot: "He is a crucial player for us, the captain, the driving force of this team, which will naturally have an impact," the midfielder expressed, "also on opposing teams while preparing for the encounters."
However, the Vice World Champion also boasts "an experienced team" and has at least "most of the means" to replace Mbappe, Rabiot added. An alternative in the striking department could be Olivier Giroud, after all, the record goalscorer of the Équipe Tricolore. "My approach remains the same: I want to contribute to the team if the coach gives me a chance," Giroud said after the Austria game - and waits, just like the entire nation, for a health update on his teammate.
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Despite Mbappe's potential nose injury, the European Football Championship 2024 continues to be a subject of excitement in France. Coach Deschamps remains hopeful, suggesting that Mbappe might participate against the Netherlands with a protective mask.
Amidst the injuries and uncertainties, the importance of Kylian Mbappe in the French team is undeniable. As Rabiot noted, Mbappe is not just a player but a "crucial element," "the captain," and the "driving force" of the team. His potential absence in the match against the Netherlands could indeed be a "heavy blow."
