France coach provides update on Real Madrid star ahead of World Cup semifinal: ‘100% ready’ | OneFootball

The first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup is set to kick off later tonight, and it will be Spain and France who lock horns for a place in the final.

While the Spanish national team have looked fairly comfortable in their campaign so far, France are the favourites given their destructive attack and dominance across all games in the tournament.

One big worry ahead of the game, however, was the fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who left the game injured in the 77th minute of the quarterfinal against Morocco.

Speaking to the media after the game, the player assured that his setback was not very serious, but there was still concern about his participation against Spain.

“I’m fine! I took a hit to the ankle, but everything’s okay,” he said at the time.

A positive update

France national team manager Didier Deschamps spoke to the media ahead of the semifinal on Tuesday night and was asked specifically about the situation of Mbappe and whether or not the star player would feature on the night.

“Kylian Mbappe is 100% ready and fit,” Deschamps said via beIN Sports France, dismissing all concerns that the player missed the clash.

Mbappe is raring to go. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

In fact, his positive update and words only make it clear that Mbappe will not just feature but may even start against Spain in what comes as a massive boost to the team.

After all, the Real Madrid star has been France’s most important player in the World Cup and is a leading contender to take home the golden boot as well.

Eyeing a historic record

Kylian Mbappe has played in three World Cups including the ongoing campaign, and has made the final in both his previous campaigns.

Having won the tournament in 2018, he only came second-best to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Qatar in 2022. Even in the latter appearance, he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final and was one of the most decisive players on the field.

Can Mbappe make it to a third World Cup final? (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

By beating Spain tomorrow, France can make it to a third consecutive World Cup final and Mbappe can continue his 100% record of making the final of the event when he participates.

While France may appear as overwhelming favourites, Spain have shown to have Les Bleus’ number in recent meetings.

In fact, Spain have won their last two games against France and have scored seven goals in those two games.

Needless to say, Mbappe’s offensive output will be critical if France are to test Spain’s resilient defence which has only conceded one goal in the competition so far.