Mbappé Eager to Play Despite Mask Issues, Says Deschamps Despite France’s recent struggles in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024, manager Didier Deschamps has expressed confidence in star forward Kylian Mbappé, acknowledging his desire to play despite facing mask issues. Mbappé sustained a facial injury in a collision during Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match against Montpellier last month. As a result, he has been wearing a protective mask in recent games for both club and country. However, Deschamps insists that the injury has not dampened Mbappé’s enthusiasm or ability on the pitch. “Kylian is a top player, and top players always want to play,” Deschamps said after France’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday. “He’s hungry to be on the field and help the team. The mask is a bit of an annoyance, but it’s not a problem.” Mbappé has indeed played through the pain, scoring a crucial equalizer in France’s 2-1 win over Denmark on Tuesday. However, he is aware of the need to manage his injury carefully. “It’s a bit uncomfortable, but I’m used to it now,” Mbappé said. “I just have to be careful not to get hit in the face again.” France has endured a stuttering start to its Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, winning just one of its first four matches. Deschamps believes that Mbappé’s return to full fitness could be a key factor in turning things around. “He’s one of our best players, so having him on the pitch is always a boost,” Deschamps said. “We need him to be at his best if we want to qualify for the Euros.” France will face the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland in its next two qualifying matches later this month. Mbappé is expected to feature in both games as he continues to overcome his facial injury and lead his country’s charge towards Euro 2024.France fell to second place in Group D at Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw against Poland, despite having 19 shots on goal.France fell to second place in Group D at Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw against Poland, despite having 19 shots on goal. Coach Didier Deschamps stated that the team “wasn’t precise enough” and faced a “goalkeeper who stopped many shots.” While disappointed with the result, Deschamps insisted that the team had done what they needed to do. Kylian Mbappé, who played with a mask after breaking his nose, impressed Deschamps with his performance despite the mask causing discomfort. Discovery+ will air the Olympic Games, including Paris 2024, exclusively.France coach Didier Deschamps insists Kylian Mbappé is “hungry to play” at Euro 2024 despite concerns over the mask he has been wearing to protect a facial injury. Mbappé suffered a knock in training in the build-up to France’s opening match against Germany and has been wearing a protective mask ever since. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has scored twice in two games at the tournament, but he has also been criticized for his performances. Some pundits have suggested that the mask is hindering his movement and vision. However, Deschamps has defended Mbappé and said that he is “fit to play” and “hungry to help the team.” “Kylian is a top player and he is always hungry to play,” Deschamps said. “He is a threat to any defense and he will be key for us in the knockout stages.” Mbappé is expected to start for France in their final Group F match against Portugal on Wednesday. France have already qualified for the knockout stages, but they will need to beat Portugal to win the group. A win would give them a favorable draw in the last 16. Portugal, meanwhile, need to beat France to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages. They currently sit third in Group F, two points behind France and one point behind Germany.