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France vs South Africa: Deschamps provides fitness update on Mbappe

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The PSG star missed Le Bleus’ friendly match against Ivory Coast with an infection.

France defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in their friendly fixture on Friday. Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni scored for Didier Deschamps’ side as they played without their start striker Kylian Mbappe.

The 23-year-old missed the game due to an ENT infection. However, he will be back at Deschamps’ disposal for his side’s upcoming game against South Africa.

“He is much better, he will be there on Tuesday,” the French manager said.

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Deschamps did not specify whether he would use Mbappe in his starting lineup. The PSG star will make his 54th cap for France if he plays against South Africa.

Having scored 24 goals for the national team, Mbappe will be one of the major stars in the upcoming World Cup. However, he might face competition from Christopher Nkunku, who has enjoyed top-class form at RB Leipzig this season.

“[My debut] was an exceptional moment for me,” Nkunku told reporters after the Ivory Coast game. “It was a committed match against a technical and physical team. I am a French international and I hope to be so for as long as possible.”

France are preparing to face South Africa in their next friendly game on Tuesday. Mbappe will then return to France to play for PSG against Lorient five days later. 

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