France coach Didier Deschamps wouldn't be drawn on whether he will rest players - notably Kylian Mbappé, who didn't train with the squad on Sunday - for Tuesday's friendly against Scotland in Lille, but changes from the side that beat the Netherlands can be expected.
On Friday night, Kylian Mbappé scotched talk of a form slump as he bagged both goals in the 2-1 win over the Netherlands. The result saw Les Bleus qualify for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany next summer and many may think that the pressure is off the Frenchmen - but coach Didier Deschamps is not about to take anyone lightly.
"We're taking on an opponent who has the same privilege as us, as they've already qualified. The Scots have this peace of mind and they deserve it. They're a fine team," said the man who has helmed Les Bleus for over a decade now. "It's a friendly match in the same configuration as last month, with the more important match coming first. My approach is to spread out the playing time without putting any players in difficulty, to do something coherent. Not by putting the same team back together, but not by changing the whole team either."
Mbappé to play?
While a raft of changes have been predicted - notably with Ligue 1 Uber Eats stars Jonathan Clauss (OM), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) and Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice) tipped for starts - Deschamps was keen to impart the message that he and he alone is the one who decides on his team selections.
"The clubs all have busy schedules," tempered Deschamps when asked whether any clubs had put the pressure on him to rest their players for this friendly. "I haven't been put under any pressure. It may have happened that some clubs have sent out a message, without putting any pressure [he smiles]. I'll decide tomorrow [Tuesday]."
Mystery!
This effectively maintained hopes that PSG superstar Mbappé could feature in Lille on Tuesday, despite his having not trained with the rest of the squad on Sunday. A knock form Friday? A niggling injury? The result of his incomplete pre-season amid intense transfer speculation?
Deschamps was staying mum.
"As for Kylian, he's doing well and he's available to play," grinned the France boss. "All smiles and in great shape."
In any case, Ligue 1 Uber Eats top scorer Mbappé (seven goals) should be ready and raring to go on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain play host to Patrick Vieira's Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes.
