By Gary Rose.
@APPhoto.
France captain Kylian Mbappe was named on the bench for Friday’s Euro 2024 Group D game with the Netherlands.
The 25-year-old striker was forced off during Monday’s 1-0 victory over Austria after breaking his nose.
He took part in training on Thursday wearing a mask featuring the French tricolor, and boss Dider Deschamps said “everything was moving in the right direction” for him to be available to face the Dutch.
But Mbappe was instead among the substitutes, with Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram named in the attack.
On Thursday, Griezmann said his absence would be a blow to the team.
“The whole team has to adapt,” he said. “He’s one of the best players in the world, whether you have him or not makes a huge difference.
“You always have to adapt in football. We’ll have to adapt for everyone, and that has to be our strength too.”
France and the Netherlands are level on three points in Group D. The Dutch came from behind to beat Poland 2-1, and France needed an own goal to beat Austria.
France have won seven of the teams’ past eight meetings, including home and away victories in qualifying. Mbappé is yet to score in European Championship football in five attempts.