France manager Didier Deschamps insists Kylian Mbappe is “in the right headspace” to play in the European Championship semi-final against Spain on Tuesday.
The France captain sustained a broken nose during his side’s Euro 2024 group-stage opener against Austria and has worn a mask in his subsequent three matches at the tournament.
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Mbappe has scored just once at Euro 2024 —a penalty against Poland in their final group fixture — and was replaced during extra time in France’s quarter-final victory over Portugal.
The France manager said despite struggles with his physical condition during the tournament, he was “convinced” the forward was in the right head space ahead of their semi-final tie against Spain on Tuesday.
“He played 110 minutes, we knew extra time was a bit hard,” Deschamps continued. “Physically, even if he seems slightly off, he will be on that pitch. We wanted him to rest up as much as he needed to. We did everything we could and I am convinced that Kylian is in the right headspace.
“It is not linked to the last game but the end of last season, he had an issue with his back, his blow to the nose, he knows it could have been the end of the road but he’s still here. I am convinced tomorrow Kylian will do everything, as everyone will, to give it 110 per cent.”
He added: “He is in a new situation for him, the fact he is having to wear the mask which means he has a field of vision that is different.
“This was a huge shock to him and it is something he had to get used to with the bruise as well. The swelling has gone down but with each day he is getting stronger. He is going to have to get used to it for weeks or months.”
France progressed to the semi-finals with a shootout victory over Portugal and will reach a second successive major tournament final if they can get the better of Spain on Tuesday.
However, their style of play has been questioned during the tournament, having scored just three goals across their five games, consisting of two own goals and a penalty. Deschamps defended the team’s style.
Asked by a member of the Swedish press about a perception of being boring, he replied: “You’re Swedish? No, you are a French journalist in disguise! If you are getting bored, watch another game, you don’t have to watch that is fine.
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“It is a European Championship it is very difficult for everyone up until now. Maybe it isn’t the same as in the past but we have the capability to share emotions, make lots of French men and women happy with our results which we’ve pulled out the big in a period where there is a lot going on at home. If the Swedish are getting bored, sorry but it doesn’t bother me that much.”
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