Kylian Mbappe did not come out with his France teammates for training on Tuesday just four days before their crunch World Cup quarter-final with England.
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The Paris Saint-Germain star is seen as the Three Lion’s biggest threat going into Saturday’s match, as he tops the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals in four games.
Les Bleus staff said Mbappe did not take part due to ongoing recovery work following their victory over Poland on Sunday, despite others who featured in the same match, including Olivier Giroud, who did take part in the session.
Mbappe had complained of an ankle injury going into the tournament but that has not affected his performance as he has arguably been the star player in Qatar.
His absence from training will certainly have attracted the interest of England’s players and staff. Traditionally, players take part in recovery sessions in the day following matches.
However, it has been two days since Mbappe helped France into the quarter-finals by scoring a brace in their 3-1 victory over Poland.
Mbappe still has plenty of time to return to full fitness ahead of the clash with the Three Lions, with the two sides not playing until Saturday. The 23-year-old’s match-up against Kyle Walker on the flank against England will be one of the most eagerly anticipated when the two European heavyweights meet up.
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Any injury concern for Mbappe will be music to the ears of Walker and England, with the pacy forward seen as essential for his country’s hopes of retaining the trophy that they lifted in 2018.
