Mbappé ''getting better every day'' and wants to play against Poland at Euro 2024, France coach says

Dortmund, Jun 24 (AP) France superstar Kylian Mbappé appears closer to making a return at the European Championship.

The Real Madrid-bound striker sustained a broken nose in France's opening 1-0 win over Austria and didn't come off the bench for the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Friday.

France coach Didier Deschamps didn't give much away Monday when pressed if Mbappé was available for the Group D closer against Poland on Tuesday, when he would have to wear a protective mask.

“He's getting better every day — yesterday, he was in our training session, the bruise has gone down and he's getting used to playing in a mask,” Deschamps said. “He wants to play — he wanted to play against the Netherlands and wants to play against Poland.” A bigger clue was perhaps given by one of Mbappé's teammates, with midfielder N'Golo Kante saying it “is a huge advantage to have him on the team.” “He was great, decisive and dangerous,” Kante said of Mbappé's performance in practice. “I think he feels well and I hope this translates on the pitch tomorrow.” Mbappé wore a mask when he played in a behind-closed-doors match against a local team on Saturday and has done each day in training.

Deschamps said the mask is limiting Mbappé's vision but wouldn't describe it as a “constraint.” “Breathing, no; the way he sees, yes,” Deschamps said.

“Maybe it's hindering but its something he'll get used to.” France will guarantee advancing to the knockout stage with a point against Poland at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion. (AP) AM AM AM