Didier Deschamps hopes to have Kylian Mbappe available for France’s Euro 2024 showdown with Netherlands on Friday.
The French superstar suffered a broken nose during Les Blues’ 1-0 win over Austria on Monday night, taken off with blood pouring down his shirt in the latter stages of the game.
Mbappe is not expected to undergo surgery and could wear a protective mask for the remainder of the competition in Germany.
The 25-year-old was initially expected to, at the very least, miss Friday’s group clash against Netherlands, but was pictured back on the training pitch on Wednesday, taking part in light duties wearing a bandage over his nose.
The French squad arrived in Leipzig on Thursday afternoon with Mbappe among them, not wearing a either a bandage or a mask as he got off the team bus.
Mbappe is expected to train with the France squad later this evening with his manager offering an update on his condition.
‘Everything is going in the right direction after the major shock he had with the consequences of course,’ Deschamps told a press conference, also confirming his captain will wear a protective mask.
‘Yesterday, he was able to go out and do a little activity. This will also be the case this evening. It’s moving in the right direction for make sure he can be available tomorrow.’
William Saliba meanwhile did not take part in first-team training on Wednesday, sitting out of that session after complaining of minor pain in his right ankle.
Dayot Upacemcano also trained away from the squad, remaining in the gym due to a minor calf issue with Theo Hernandez joining him with a gluteal muscle complaint.
Saliba started Monday’s win over Austria having finally won over Deschamps after two sublime seasons at Arsenal.
The France squad will train on Thursday with all eyes to see on if that trio participate.