France boss issues update on Mbappe, Tchouameni ahead of Morocco clash: ‘He’s doing better’ | OneFootball

France manager Didier Deschamps has issued a vital squad update on Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of their highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, the French tactician addressed the severe off-pitch storm surrounding his captain before providing the latest medical assessment on his star midfielder.

Deschamps on Mbappe’s mental state after racist insults

Deschamps broke his silence regarding the vile racist insults hurled at Mbappe by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, which have triggered an unprecedented international diplomatic dispute.

Refusing to let the political hostility distract his squad, the manager emphasised the forward’s immense psychological resilience.

Mbappe was subjected to racist attacks from Celeste Amarilla. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Kylian is in a good mental state,” Deschamps stated, as quoted by RMC Sport.

“Something happened that I don’t want to go into. He’s a very strong guy mentally. He’s focused on tomorrow’s match, which will be tough because they are two quality teams. Kylian is doing well, like the rest of the group. He’s ready for tomorrow.”

Update on Tchouameni’s fitness

While Mbappe’s mental readiness is fully locked in, the primary footballing headache for Les Bleus revolves around the fitness of Real Madrid anchor Tchouameni.

The midfielder was sidelined for the last match due to a lingering foot injury, leaving a significant void in the French engine room.

Tchouameni is recovering from an injury. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Deschamps provided a cautiously optimistic update on the player’s recovery timeline, indicating that a late fitness test will determine his availability for the knockout showdown.

“I don’t have all the information yet,” Deschamps admitted when quizzed on the player’s physical status.

“Aurelien is better, but I left early this morning. He’s the only one who needs to be seen, but he’s doing better. He might participate in the training session today,” he added.

Tchouameni’s future at Real Madrid has been called into question this summer, with Manchester United, in particular, pushing hard to sign him.

If he successfully comes through the final group training session without feeling any discomfort, he could be rushed back into the France starting lineup to combat Morocco’s highly physical midfield in the quarter-final.