Kylian Mbappe plays friendly match to boost fitness ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 knock-out stages

The news that France's star forward, Kylian Mbappe returned to the training field with a broken nose during their opening match against Austria gave their UEFA Euro 2024 quest a major boost. With French players who were not involved during the 0-0 draw versus the Netherlands, Mbappe participated in a friendly contest versus the Paderborn U21 side in an effort to speed up his recuperation, according to ESPN.

Due to the game's two 30-minute halves, Mbappe was able to recover his match sharpness without going overboard. The 25-year-old forward, who partnered with Olivier Giroud on the left wing, demonstrated his fitness by netting two goals and creating another. 

His performance demonstrated his full recuperation and preparedness to return to the team in a setting with greater competition. The article also stated that in order to create a secure environment for Mbappe's comeback, the young Paderborn footballers were advised from making hard tackles or physical contact prior to the game.

Mbappe wore a specially made black mask during the friendly to shield his nose. He appeared a little uneasy at first, but he soon got used to his face mask and gave an excellent performance. This adjustment was an essential component of his recovery because he will now have to wear the mask during the remainder of the European Championship.

Will Kylian Mbappe start for France during their final group encounter in UEFA Euro 2024?

It's still unclear if Kylian Mbappe will start for France in their next game versus Poland on Tuesday in Dortmund, despite his excellent return. France's prospects of winning their group depend on the outcome of this match, which coach Didier Deschamps will probably decide after Monday's last practice.

France football national team would be hoping to make sure that Mbappe starts the game as none of their players have yet scored a single goal during the opening two games of the tournament. Mbappe also has never scored at the European Championships and would be hoping to break that duck soon.