Kylian Mbappe confirms minor ankle injury after France beat Morocco
France captain Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he suffered only a minor ankle injury after being substituted late in his country’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco in Boston.
The forward sparked fitness fears when he went down off the ball with just 12 minutes remaining at the Boston Stadium.
Following a brief discussion with the national team’s medical staff, he was replaced by Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Anxiety among supporters deepened when the 27-year-old was spotted on the substitutes’ bench with his right ankle heavily wrapped in ice.
Fears allayed during post-match celebrations
However, the former Parisian quickly eased concerns over his availability for the upcoming semi-final clash.
He was seen moving freely and leading the jubilant post-match celebrations in front of the travelling supporters at full-time.
The prolific attacker later addressed the media in the tunnel to officially clarify his physical condition.
“I have a minor ankle injury, but I’m completely fine.”
He explained that the decision to leave the pitch was a tactical precaution rather than a forced medical withdrawal.
“Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes of the match and was fitter at that moment. That’s all that happened.”
Semi-final preparations underway
Manager Didier Deschamps will be relieved by the positive update as his squad prepares for the final four of the tournament.
Deschamps had opted for consistency against Morocco, making just one change to his starting lineup by introducing Desire Doue for Bradley Barcola.
The two-time world champions must now wait to discover their next opponents.
They will face either Spain or Belgium, who are scheduled to meet in their quarter-final tie in Los Angeles on Friday.