French striker and captain Kylian Mbappe requested to be substituted during extra time in the Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Portugal due to fatigue, according to his coach Didier Deschamps.
Typically a prolific scorer, Mbappe has struggled during the tournament, scoring only once from the penalty spot against Poland.
He has otherwise been unable to convert chances and has appeared uncomfortable while wearing a mask.
This mask was necessitated by a broken nose he suffered in the first game.
In the quarter-final match against Portugal on Friday night, Mbappe spent some time on the ground and briefly removed his mask after being struck in the face by the ball.
He later asked to be substituted and missed the shootout.
“Yes, he’s always very honest with me and the team, when he feels he can’t accelerate…
“He’s not at his top form … he felt very tired indeed,” Deschamps said, referring to muscle fatigue and the nose issue.
“I saw him struggling during the first period of extra time. It was pointless (to leave him on).
“Kylian has always been honest with me and the group, so it was only natural to bring in some new blood.”
In his absence, Mbappe’s teammates did him proud, scoring a perfect five penalties to beat Portugal 5-3.