Didier Deschamps has been warned that Kylian Mbappe is "only at 50%" and advised to replace him with Bradley Barcola against Spain.

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• Mbappe has been far from his best at Euro 2024
• Has scored just once in four matches
• Frank Leboeuf wants him to be dropped

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Real Madrid forward has not been at his best since breaking his nose in the first match of Euro 2024 against Austria. He has since been playing with a face mask, but it is evident that the injury has hindered his performance. The player himself admitted that the mask is an “absolute horror” and also claimed that he doesn't have his "legs fully" and needs "a good pre-season to be at 100 per cent."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In the quarter-final match against Portugal, Mbappe was substituted shortly before the penalty shootout, citing fatigue and the player's own admission of tiredness has fueled doubts about his ability to contribute effectively in the crucial semi-final match. This has led former France defender and World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf to voice his concern that Mbappe is only operating at half of his capacity and should be dropped from the lineup for a completely fit player.

• WHAT LEBOEUF SAID

  Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting, Leboeuf said: "If you are injured and you can't play at 100%, you can only play at 50%, then you shouldn't play. For me, you’re not serving France well and you’re not serving yourself well, because you’re criticised, you can’t play to your best level. I can’t see the use in playing Mbappe at 50% – I think that Bradley Barcola would do better.“

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Deschamps finds himself at a crossroads before the encounter against Spain on Tuesday. On one hand, Mbappe's presence on the field is a significant psychological boost for the team and a threat to opponents. However, his current form and fitness level might not justify his inclusion in the starting lineup. Although he has backed Mbappe publicly, the reality of the player's physical condition and form might force a reconsideration of tactics.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News