Mbappé “moving in the right direction” after injury; Could play against Oranje on Friday

Oranje face France on Friday night in the European Championships in the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. Ronald Koeman’s men know that a victory would ensure they advance to the last 16 round after beating Poland 2-1 in their first match. A lot will depend on whether France star man Kylian Mbappe is fit. The forward broke his nose in the side’s 1-0 win over Austria.

There are differing reports on whether Mbappe will make the match on Friday. He has traveled with the French squad to Leipzig. “Things are moving in the right direction after this major shock. Yesterday, he was able to go out to train. That will be the case this evening to ensure that he can be available tomorrow,” France manager Didier Deschamps said during his press conference on Thursday.

The 25-year-old missed training on Tuesday before appearing shortly during Wednesday’s session. The newly signed Real Madrid player trained separately with a physical trainer, wearing a plaster over his nose but without a mask, which will most likely be necessary when he plays his next match. “We have to use common sense,” Deschamps said. “We will see tomorrow.”

Deschamps announced this week that Mbappe needs surgery. “But that does not have to happen now,” he said in a video message on social media. Many French reporters said on Tuesday that Mbappe was set to miss the showdown with Oranje. But they are now confident that he could play in the game. Reports say Mbappe wants to play in the game if the mask feels comfortable. "It’s nice that Kylian himself wants to play, but we will make the decision when we make the decision.” his manager told reporters.

Mbappe has not said much about his injury, but he posted a cryptic message on Instagram with the caption, “Without risks, there is no victory.”

Oranje trained with a fully fit squad. Brian Brobbey, the Ajax striker who was not fit enough to play in the win against Poland, has also resumed training.

Koeman is expected to make very few changes to the starting lineup that beat Poland. There are question marks about whether Xavi Simons will keep his place in the team. Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Malen are both options for replacing the midfielder.

A draw could be enough for both teams to seal their place in the next round. Four of the best third-place teams go through the tournament, in addition to the teams that take the first two spots in the group. Considering this, four points in the group is usually enough to go through.