England fans, remain calm
Kylian Mbappé was reportedly missing from France’s training session on Tuesday – days before their quarter final tie with England.
L’Équipe said that the forward was absent from the session and in the images released of Didier Deschamps’ squad undergoing their session, the Paris Saint-Germain star was nowhere to be seen.
The French Football Association however have been quick to play down reports of an injury and insisted that he is training away from the side as part of a recovery session.
France FA say Mbappe having a recovery session https://t.co/V0cMtiw1jP
— Dan Roan (@danroan) December 6, 2022
Mbappé scored two goals in France’s 3-1 win against Poland and is the World Cup’s current top goal scorer and as of yet, there is now concerns regarding his fitness ahead of the encounter at the Al-Bayt stadium this weekend.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring on Saturday night and made history by becoming France’s record goalscorer, finding the back of the net for the 52nd time on the international stage.
Their next test is against Gareth Southgate’s England side, who many have labelled as one of the teams to beat in Qatar.
The Three Lions advanced to the quarter finals after an impressive 3-0 win against Senegal. Jude Bellingham in particular impressed but it was Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka who were on the scoresheet.
England are also the current top scorers at the tournament, scoring 12 goals in the four games they’ve played in the Middle East.
Many expect Southgate to start Kyle Walker at right back as a way to combat Mbappé’s frightening pace. Walker made his second appearance of the tournament in Saturday’s win after missing the opening two group games through injury.
Related links:
- World Cup 2022 Day 17: All the major action and talking points
- Jack Grealish wears special t-shirt designed by young fan with cerebral palsy
- The full player ratings as England beat Senegal to set up quarter final against France
