In an update from Leipzig, Germany, France coach Didier Deschamps expressed confidence that star player Kylian Mbappé will be available for the Euro 2024 game against the Netherlands on Friday. Following a nose injury in France's opening match against Austria, Mbappé has been undergoing treatment and is now set to take the field wearing a protective mask.

Deschamps shared that Mbappé has been progressing positively since the incident, stating, "Everything is going well, after the shock we had. He was able to take part in some light exercises yesterday, and that will be the same this evening. Everything is evolving in the right direction." The French team is working diligently to ensure Mbappé's availability for the crucial match.

During the training session on Thursday, Mbappé joined his teammates wearing a blue, white, and red face mask. He took some time to adjust to the new headgear, lifting it up to communicate with Olivier Giroud before putting it back on while stretching alongside Antoine Griezmann.

Confirming Mbappé's use of a mask, Deschamps emphasized that the details of the mask need not be disclosed, humorously adding, "I think you have enough moles to know where the mask is coming from."

Having returned to light training on Wednesday after undergoing tests for his nose injury, Mbappé's inclusion in Friday's match has been the subject of much speculation. The Real Madrid-bound player, known for his determination, shared a motivating message on Instagram, writing, "Without risks, there are no victories."

If Mbappé takes the field, he will aim to score his first goal at a European Championship tournament. Despite an impressive international goal record of 47 goals in 80 games for France, including 12 goals in Euro qualifications, Mbappé has yet to find the back of the net in five previous tournament matches.

Both France and the Netherlands currently have three points in Group D, with the Dutch team securing a come-from-behind victory against Poland and France relying on an own goal to defeat Austria. France has a dominant recent record against the Netherlands, having won seven of their past eight encounters, including victories in both home and away qualifying matches.

As fans eagerly await the showdown between France and the Netherlands, all eyes will be on Mbappé as he takes to the field wearing his protective mask, determined to make an impact on the European stage.