France boss Didier Deschamps says “everything is moving in the right direction” for Kylian Mbappe to be available to play against the Netherlands in their second Euro 2024 match on Friday.
The 25-year-old striker was forced off during Monday’s 1-0 victory over Austria after breaking his nose.
His face struck opponent Kevin Danso’s shoulder in the follow-through from an aerial challenge.
Mbappe was taken to Dusseldorf hospital, where the break was confirmed, before returning to the national team’s camp.
The French Football Federation (FFF) said he did not require surgery and a protective mask would be made for the forward.
“I can confirm that Kylian Mbappe is feeling better and all is evolving well to see him available for tomorrow,” said Deschamps.
“It’s moving in the right direction”.
On the mask, Deschamps added: “He will be playing in a mask, you don’t need to know any more details about this mask.”
Mbappe has scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for his country, although he has not scored a goal at a European Championship.
He will join Real Madrid after the tournament, when his Paris St-Germain contract expires.
Mbappe trained well ahead of Dutch clash – analysis
BBC Sport’s Gary Rose, at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, said: “In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, France boss Deschamps spoke in positive light about Mbappe’s recovery in recent days.
“He said his captain had been feeling better and he certainly looked in good spirits when he emerged for training later in the evening.
“Mbappe, initially without his mask, was laughing and joking with his team-mates, before putting it on as the squad went through their drills.
“He adjusted it a couple of times as he got used to it, but in the 15 minutes open to the media there was little to indicate that he will be unlikely to take his place in the side against the Netherlands.”
Image source, Getty Images