Mbappé trains in Boston while France rests Saliba, Upamecano

Kylian Mbappé, nursing an ankle injury that forced his early exit in Thursday’s World Cup quarter‑final, was seen warming up on Saturday at France’s base camp in the western Boston area. Meanwhile, fellow defenders William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano remained absent as Les Bleus prepared for the semi‑final. Having earned a day off after Thursday’s World Cup quarter‑final win over Morocco, the French squad reconvened on Saturday afternoon at their base camp in Boston. The two absentees were the starting centre‑back partnership of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. Mbappé was observed training as usual and even scored the opening goal against the Atlas Lions around the hour mark. He later appeared in the mixed zone, indicating the injury was not a cause for concern. Aurélien Tchouaméni, sidelined by a thigh injury in the quarter‑final, returned to the training pitch on Saturday. Mbappé was also spotted jogging alongside his teammates.

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William Saliba has struggled with a back issue throughout the tournament and has already missed several sessions, as the coaching staff aim to keep him fit for matchdays. The French coaching team continues to monitor his condition closely. Dayot Upamecano was also rested, with L’Équipe reporting that the Bayern Munich man is dealing with foot pain and is being managed for load reasons. The centre‑back’s absence forms part of a broader fitness strategy.

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Both defenders are expected to be back in time for the clash against Spain, as Les Bleus schedule another training session on Sunday morning before flying out to Dallas in the afternoon. The squad’s preparation remains focused on the upcoming semi‑final. Raphaël Jucobin reports from France’s base camp at Bentley University. The camp is situated on the Bentley University grounds.