Days before their World Cup quarterfinal match against England, KYLIAN MBAPPE has given France a serious injury worry.
The top goal scorer in the competition with five goals was absent from practice yesterday night after complaining of a bothersome ankle issue.
Even though Didier Deschamps‘ coaching staff stated he was only working out for recuperation, the French team is worried he would not make it to Saturday’s match against England because of his absence.
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Mbappe was the only player who did not return to full training last Monday after the team’s 3-1 victory over Poland the previous day.
The PSG starlet, 23, has been in outstanding form throughout the competition and is the player Gareth Southgate’s team fears the most.
Olivier Giroud, who holds the 52-goal record for France, is aware of how crucial Mbappe is to his nation’s prospects of defending the crown they won in Russia four years ago.
“Kylian is clearly the best striker I have ever played alongside,” he remarked.
The frightening part is that he is still a young player and will only get better. He is an amazing player.
“We haven’t yet seen him at his best, and I’m hoping it will happen soon because we all know he’s going to shatter all the records.
He has been essential to us throughout this campaign, being very competitive and decisive from the start. He is incredible.
Guy Stephan, a Deschamps assistant coach, continued, “Kylian is off the planet with his skills.
He is still only 24 years old and has already scored nine goals at the World Cup. At his age, not even Ronaldo and Messi had scored that many goals. He belongs to the very top elite.
Gary Neville, a great of England, dubbed Kyle Walker, an England speedster, Mbappe’s Kryptonite.
“I always felt we’d play three at the back in this tournament, but I don’t think we will now,” Neville said to Sky Sports.
“John Stones and Harry Maguire are holding up, which is better than I thought would be the case with the center-back pairing.
“The question is whether what they have faced thus far in their first three games will be at anyway comparable to what they will encounter going forward, and I don’t believe it is.
It appears to be on a collision course, don’t you think? Walker versus Mbappe.
If anyone can contain Mbappe, we have the ideal right-back in terms of physicality, pace, and experience.
Rio Ferdinand and Matty Cash, the right back for Aston Villa who was charged with stopping Mbappe when playing for Poland, have both shared the sentiments of their former Manchester United teammates.