Didier Deschamps has reassured France supporters that Kylian Mbappé and Manu Koné are not expected to miss the World Cup semi-final after both players experienced physical problems against Morocco.

France secured their place in the final four with a 2-0 victory in Foxborough, but the sight of Mbappé receiving treatment and later sitting on the bench with ice around his ankle initially caused concern.

Koné also reported discomfort after taking a blow to his knee and suffering minor cramp during a demanding quarter-final.

Deschamps, however, suggested that neither problem was serious enough to threaten the players’ participation in Tuesday’s semi-final.

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Deschamps plays down injury concerns

According to SportoweFakty’s report on the France injury update, Deschamps told beIN Sports that Mbappé’s discomfort was limited to his ankle.

“For Kylian, it is just the ankle,” the France coach said. “He felt a little pain.”

Mbappé had been involved in a physical contest throughout the match and was caught by Issa Diop during the second half. The Morocco defender received a yellow card for the challenge.

The France captain continued playing for several minutes before being replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta during the closing stages.

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Deschamps also provided an update on Koné, who was substituted for Warren Zaïre-Emery in the 71st minute.

“Manu Koné took a knock to the knee and also had some minor cramp,” he said.

Neither player was immediately scheduled for further examination, although their condition will continue to be monitored as France prepare for the semi-final.

Mbappé explains decision to leave the pitch

Mbappé also played down the severity of the incident and insisted that his withdrawal was a tactical and physical decision rather than a sign of a serious injury.

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“I took a knock to the ankle, but there is nothing wrong with me,” Mbappé told beIN Sports.

“At that moment, J.P. Mateta was in better condition than me to play the final 15 minutes. I came off and he came on.”

Mbappé also praised the Crystal Palace striker’s contribution after entering the match.

“That is good,” he said. “He almost scored a goal as well.”

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Mateta provided France with a more physical presence during the closing stages and came close to adding a third goal as Morocco pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest.

Mbappé was later pictured with ice wrapped around his ankle on the France bench, but that is a common precaution following a knock and does not necessarily indicate a significant injury.

Zaïre-Emery makes an impression

Deschamps was also pleased with Zaïre-Emery’s contribution after the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder replaced Koné.

“He made a very, very good entrance,” Deschamps said.

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Zaïre-Emery helped France maintain control in midfield as Morocco attempted to increase the pressure during the closing stages.

His performance highlighted the depth available to Deschamps, who has repeatedly stressed that players outside the starting line-up must remain prepared to contribute.

“Everyone has to be ready to play,” the coach said. “I cannot make everyone happy, but I try to make everyone feel that they are an important part of the team.”

That depth could become increasingly important as France deal with the physical demands of the knockout rounds.

France prepare for another semi-final

France’s victory over Morocco secured a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance following their triumph in 2018 and defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute after having a first-half penalty saved by Yassine Bounou. Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage six minutes later.

France will face the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium on Tuesday evening.

The squad will now focus on recovery, with Mbappé and Koné expected to be involved in training before the semi-final.

Although both players will continue to receive treatment, Deschamps’ comments indicated that France are not currently preparing to be without either of them for the next stage of the tournament.