Griedge Mbock set to return for France against the Netherlands after injury setbacks | OneFootball

France face the Netherlands in Breda at 20:45 on Tuesday in 2027 World Cup qualifying, with captain Griedge Mbock set to return after a spate of injuries.

According to Le Progres, Mbock became captain last year, replacing Wendie Renard, but injuries have followed. A medial knee sprain in early February during PSG v Lyon ruled her out of the last camp and the first two qualifiers in Brazil, the same knee badly hurt in 2022.

A calf issue cost her much of Euro 2025, with Alice Sombath and Thiniba Samoura stepping in. A right thigh problem in autumn did not stop her playing three Nations League matches, the semi-final second leg defeat to Germany, then two third-place games with Sweden.

Now 31 with 96 caps, she says her knee feels fine and she has no apprehension, though the clash with Damaris Egurrola initially made her fear worse.

Back for PSG in recent weeks, she is expected to start alongside Maëlle Lakrar in central defence, despite heavy strapping on her right knee during this camp.

She watched March wins over Ireland, 2-1, and Poland, 4-1, from home, keeping in touch with staff and players while leaving leadership to vice-captains Sakina Karchaoui and Grace Geyoro. Head coach Laurent Bonadei is not overly worried by her absences, praising her professionalism, while accepting the defence needs more stability before a World Cup a little over a year away. Mbock says France must start better and be more consistent against the Netherlands.

Source: Le Progres