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WORLD CUP 2022

Will Mbappé be rested against Tunisia?

According to RMC Sport, the French striker has been experiencing some discomfort and could sit out the Tunisia game to make sure he is fit for the Round of 16.

Doha (Qatar)Update:
France's forward Kylian Mbappe takes part in a training session at Al Sadd SC in Doha on November 29, 2022, on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football match between Tunisia and France. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
FRANCK FIFEGetty

There is a high chance that Didier Deschamps could omit Kylian Mbappé from his side for today’s meeting with against Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Doha - France’s final group game. According to RMC Sport, the striker picked up a minor injury during Tuesday’s training session which, although not serious, could be enough for him to sit out the Tunisia game.

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France have already qualified for the next round and will be going through the motions in the final group game. That is a good enough reason not to risk their star striker, who is believed to have complained of discomfort to his ankle after yesterday’s session. From the point of view of France’s medical team, Mbappé should not play if he is not at 100% while there is nothing at stake. Deschamps won’t be taking any chances either and will only give him a few minutes if he has made a full recovery. Mbappé will be keen to play all he can at Qatar 2022 - it’s another chance for him to excel on the big stage and improve his figures. He is currently the tournament’s joint-top scorer on three goals, level with England’s Marcus Rashford, the Netherland’s Cody Gapko and Enner Valencia - although the latter will not be able to add to his tally following Ecuador’s elimination yesterday. Mbappé will have one eye on the Golden Boot so will be keen to get as many opportunities as he can. He is also one goal away from equalling his personal best at the World Cup - the four goals he scored at Russia 2018.

If Deschamps decides to play it safe, Mbappé's replacement this afternoon could be Randal Kolo Muani, an Eintracht striker who, like the PSG superstar, started out at AS Bondy, a team from the outskirts of Paris.

On six points, France have already classified for the Round of 16 and could end as winners of Group D even if they lose today. However, Deschamps is expected to make changes to his team against Tunisia. Players like Mandanda, Camavinga (from left back), Fofana, Coman and Thuram, as well as Kolo Muani, could enter the starting XI.