France have received a timely fitness boost ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Spain, with Kylian Mbappé completing training without difficulty following an injury scare.
The France captain left the quarter-final victory over Morocco after taking a knock to his right ankle. The problem initially raised concerns over his availability, but Mbappé has since played down the incident and returned to work with the rest of Didier Deschamps’ squad.
France will face Spain in Dallas on July 14, with a place in a third consecutive World Cup final at stake.
Mbappé shakes off ankle problem
Mbappé was substituted with just over 15 minutes remaining in France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco. He had scored the opening goal but experienced discomfort after being caught on his right ankle.
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According to Le Monde’s report from the quarter-final, Mbappé said afterwards that he was “fine” and explained that he had left the pitch to avoid taking an unnecessary risk.
The forward received treatment and trained with special strapping around the affected area when France returned to the pitch at their base near Boston.
As reported by AS, Mbappé completed the session normally and is expected to start against Spain. The French camp does not consider the ankle problem serious.
Saliba and Upamecano train separately
France were without their first-choice central-defensive partnership during the main group session.
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According to the French Football Federation’s daily update, Upamecano worked indoors, while Saliba was rested as a precaution. The remaining 24 members of the squad took part in the session at Bentley University.
The federation did not report a new injury for either defender. Their reduced involvement was instead presented as part of the coaching staff’s effort to manage their condition after a demanding tournament.
Saliba and Upamecano have formed a reliable partnership during France’s run to the semi-finals, helping the team record four clean sheets, including three in the knockout rounds. Both are still expected to be available against Spain.
Tchouaméni also returns to full training
Aurélien Tchouaméni provided France with another positive fitness update by completing the session alongside his teammates.
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The Real Madrid midfielder missed the victory over Paraguay and remained on the bench against Morocco while France managed an ankle problem. He could now return to the starting line-up for the semi-final.
Manu Koné performed strongly in his absence, leaving Deschamps with a significant selection decision in midfield. However, Tchouaméni’s ability to protect the defence and dictate play could make him particularly valuable against a technically gifted Spanish side.
France close to full strength
Mbappé’s availability is particularly important after another decisive performance against Morocco.
The captain scored his eighth goal of the tournament to break the deadlock, taking his overall World Cup total to 20. France have won all six of their matches and enter the semi-final as the tournament’s leading scorers.
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The latest training session suggests Deschamps will have almost his entire squad available for the meeting with Spain. Although Saliba and Upamecano continue to be carefully managed, there is currently no indication that either defender will miss the match.
With Mbappé back in full training and Tchouaméni also nearing a return to the starting side, France appear to have emerged from their quarter-final with no significant injury concerns.
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