Why Kylian Mbappe Isn’t in France’s Starting XI vs. Tunisia
France star Kylian Mbappé has been put on the bench against Tunisia.
Though the star was pictured with his ankle bandaged at a Tuesday training session, per Goal.com, the Paris Saint-Germain star is expected to be back in the starting XI in the first game of the knockout round. France has already cleared the group stage and will advance to the round of 16.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and forwards Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann have also been benched for the match. France currently leads Group D with six points, giving them a straight shot into the knockout stage. They will win the group with a win or draw against Tunisia.
It would make sense for France coach Didier Deschamps to bench his stars as their tournament run continues. The 2018 World Cup champions will need all of their stars healthy as they enter the round of 16 in the coming days. The Frenchmen will face whichever team finishes second in Group C standings if France wins their group. Lionel Messi’s Argentina currently occupies the spot, with Poland in first, though that pair of group leaders is set to face off Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET.
Mbappé has scored three goals and notched one assist in the tournament. He’ll look to help his team win their second-consecutive World Cup once the group stage wraps.
