France received a slight scare ahead of Euro 2024 as Kylian Mbappé missed training on Saturday, just nine days before the tournament’s commencement. The French captain’s absence from training came as the national team prepared for their friendly match against Canada, serving as the final warm-up before their opening encounter against Austria in Germany.
Initial uncertainty surrounded Mbappé’s absence, but reports from L’Equipe provided clarity. According to the publication, Mbappé is grappling with a back issue and is anticipated to sit out the Canada clash on Sunday evening.
Fortunately, there are no muscular concerns, and the injury is not deemed serious. As of now, his participation in the Euros opener is not in doubt. Any injury to Mbappé would be a significant setback for France, who enter the tournament as one of the favorites, led by their superstar talisman.
Questions have emerged after Kylian Mbappé missed training with France on Saturday.
The French skipper is reportedly suffering from a minor injury, but there are no concerns.
Mbappé is anticipated to sit out France’s final Euros warm-up against Canada on Sunday.
Mbappé’s influence was evident in France’s victory over Luxembourg on Wednesday, where he contributed a goal and an assist in the 3-0 win. This took his international tally to 47 goals in 78 games, placing him third on France’s all-time top scorers list, behind only Thierry Henry and Olivier Giroud.
The inquiry into Mbappé’s absence comes at the end of a busy week for the forward, marked by his highly anticipated move to Real Madrid, finalized on Monday. In pursuit of his dream transfer, Mbappé agreed to a substantial pay cut, signing a five-year contract with the Spanish powerhouse.
The 25-year-old will earn €15 million net (£12.8 million) per season at Madrid, a reduction from the €25 million net (£21.4 million) he earned in his final season with PSG. Mbappé will join forces with the likes of Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and fellow newcomer Endrick, forming a formidable offensive lineup for the European champions.
Mbappé on target against Luxembourg in France’s 3-0 friendly win ahead of Euro 2024.
Following their opening match against Austria, Mbappé and the French squad will face off against the Netherlands and Poland in Group D. Didier Deschamps, the team’s manager, will be eager to erase the memories of the last Euros in 2021, where they suffered a Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Switzerland.
Holding a 3-1 lead going into the final ten minutes, France conceded two late goals to draw 3-3, forcing the match to a penalty shootout. Mbappé’s missed penalty ultimately sealed their fate, resulting in France’s premature exit from the competition.