Kylian Mbappe has become the rising star of the World Cup. In the year that Messi and Ronaldo and their nations went out in the Round of 16. The year that also saw Germany, Spain and Brazil return home early, a new hero has emerged. The young French forward is only 19 years old but his performances have gone a long way to justify the huge amount of money that PSG paid for him.
Mbappe providing the firepower for France in Russia
A fit Mbappe could be the difference between winning the World Cup and losing to Belgium, so when Mbappe missed training on Monday, fans began to panic. Griezmann has been playing quite well but Giroud has not managed to get on the scoresheet yet, so France will really miss Mbappe in front of goal if he does not make the game.
French sources say Mbappe will be fit to play
Sources from France’s squad advise that he only has a minor back problem and that he is expected to play against Belgium this evening. The absence is said to be just a precaution to make sure Mbappe is rested and able to play in the semi-final. He was joined on the side-lines by both Kante and Pavard, with manager Deschamps evidently trying to manage fatigue and small knocks that the players have picked up.
World Cup and intense club season taking its toll on players
The World Cup is a big test of player fitness, especially after a long club season and no rest before the quick succession of games in the World Cup. Add into the mix some extra time and penalties and players are going to struggle to be at their peak. Croatia have had extra time and penalties in their last two games now, which England fans will be hope has taken its toll on their opponents for tomorrow evening.
