Mbappe on the Bench!
France captain Kylian Mbappe was named on the bench for Friday’s Euro 2024 Group D game with the Netherlands.
The 25-year-old striker was forced off during Monday’s 1-0 victory over Austria after breaking his nose.
He took part in training on Thursday wearing a mask featuring the French tricolor, and boss Dider Deschamps said “everything was moving in the right direction” for him to be available to face the Dutch.
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But Mbappe was instead among the substitutes, with Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram named in the attack.
On Thursday, Griezmann said his absence would be a blow to the team.
“The whole team has to adapt,” he said. “He’s one of the best players in the world, whether you have him or not makes a huge difference.
“You always have to adapt in football. We’ll have to adapt for everyone, and that has to be our strength too.”