Kylian Mbappe missed France’s training on Tuesday just days before their showdown World Cup quarter-final with England.
Les Blues staff said Mbappe did not take part due to ongoing recovery work following their victory over Poland on Sunday, despite others who featured in the same match including Olivier Giroud taking part in the session.
The Paris Saint Germain star had complained of an ankle injury going into the tournament.
His absence from training will certainly have attracted the interest of England’s players and staff.
Traditionally, players take part in recovery sessions in the day following matches.
However, it has been two days since Mbappe helped France into the quarter-finals by scoring a brace in their 3-1 victory over Poland.
Giroud, who became France’s all time record scorer in the same match, did take part in training alongside the majority of those who also featured on Sunday.
Les Blues staffs though have played down any concerns insisting that Mbappe is still doing some classic indoor recovery work following the clash with Poland.
His absence will have been the biggest news among the truckload of English and Brazilian journalists who attended France’s open training session.
However, they will have been disappointed as there was only an hour of light exercise planned for key players.
Mbappe still has plenty of time to return to full fitness ahead of the clash with the Three Lions, with the two sides not playing until Saturday.
The 23 years old match up against Kyle Walker on the flank against England will be one of the most eagerly anticipated when the two European heavyweights meet up.
