France stars Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard are confident that Kylian Mbappé will be fit and ready for Euro 2024, despite the forward missing several training sessions, Soccernet.football reports.
Mbappé, the French team captain, has battled with fitness issues in recent days and appeared briefly to greet fans during a public session in Paderborn on Thursday.
He has missed several training sessions as France prepare to begin their continental campaign and did not start in a recent friendly match against Canada, officially being “spared.”
However, his teammates remain unconcerned about his readiness for the tournament.
As per Lefigaro, Giroud addressed the situation at a press conference, stating,
“That doesn’t worry me at all. He was given rest after taking a minor knock in the first preparation match against Luxembourg. Missing a couple of training sessions won’t affect his fitness. He has the determination and physical condition to compete. He’ll be ready for the first match.”
The coaching staff shares Giroud’s optimism. France and Inter Milan fullback Pavard reinforced this view, saying,
“I find him very good, and I’m sure he will have a great Euro. He’s proven his quality for many years and will show it again during this tournament. As a captain, he sets an example on and off the field. He’s a great player and an endearing person.”
France’s first match at Euro 2024 is against Austria on Monday in Düsseldorf. The team remains optimistic that Mbappé will be fully ready to contribute.
His leadership and performance are seen as crucial to France’s hopes of success in the championship.