France star Kylian Mbappe appeared to have an injury scare during his World Cup quarter-final match against Morocco on Thursday afternoon.
Mbappe had already scored a stunning goal to open France’s second-half scoring before team-mate Ousmane Dembele gave France a 2-0 lead. However, Mbappe made a rare error in the first half when his penalty, which he won when he was brought down by Moroccan Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Mbappe’s goal tied him with Lionel Messi’s eight goals in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot.
However, Mbappe was then taken out of the match in the 77th minute when, during open play with Morocco in possession, he raised his hand to the bench and lay down on the floor. The Real Madrid striker did not appear to be in a critical condition but stretched his right leg while accompanied by a medical professional. He waved to the crowd as he left and high-fived his teammates on the bench.
Television footage subsequently showed Mbappe sitting on the France bench with ice resting on his right leg as the game continued.
France won 2-0 and Mbappe returned to the Gillette Stadium pitch after the full-time whistle, smiling and hugging his teammates. He later jumped up and down as he celebrated with the rest of his team in front of their fans, which is certainly a welcome sight for France fans.
Ice pack tied to leg (Fox)
Mbappe played 90 minutes for France in the games against Senegal in the group stage and Paraguay in the round of 16, with coach Didier Deschamps giving the 27-year-old a short preventive rest during the games against Iraq, Norway and Sweden.
Deschamps is likely to provide further information on Mbappe in his post-match press conference and France hope he will be fit for the semi-final in Dallas against Spain or Belgium on Tuesday 14 July.
The World Cup final will take place at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
This story will be updated