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Deschamps offers an update on Mbappe’s France return

Kylian Mbappe, France
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Mbappe has missed all of France’s games of the international break so far, but Deschamps had some good news to share on that score.

Didier Deschamps has announced Kylian Mbappe ‘is ready’ to return for France in their upcoming Nations League match against Sweden on Tuesday.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker has been sidelined from Les Bleus’ last two games with a hamstring issue, including Saturday’s decisive 1-0 win in Portugal – which has booked their place in the finals for next year.

Now Deschamps is set to welcome another timely boost in the return of Mbappe in Paris.

“He will be there, he is keen and he is ready,” the France boss told reporters after the team’s victory in Lisbon.

N’Golo Kante’s early second-half goal, meanwhile, was enough to seal victory for the world champions.

Speaking on his side’s accomplishment in Portugal, Deschamps added to TF1: “It’s great to see the players like that, to come out and win here.

“This victory is deserved, with a lot of solidarity, also of quality. We achieved our goal, we wanted to finish first. Whatever happens in the last game, we’ll stay first. It’s good to reach the goals, I’m very proud of the players.

“It’s not always easy, especially during these complicated times. Some have club situations which are not the best. But when they meet there, there is still that competitive spirit and tonight they have proven that the France team is still a great team.

“Taking into account the quality of the opponent, obviously this is a benchmark match. I’m not talking about the one we played three days ago against Finland but in a game like today there is less need to warn them about the goal.

“They prefer to play these matches but the group is there and present. They have proven that the state of mind is still there.”

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