Kylian Mbappe injury: ‘Not at 100%’ claim made, will he play against Newcastle United?

The fitness of Kylian Mbappe has become a key talking point ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League meeting with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The World Cup winner and his side are currently on Tyneside undergoing their final preparations ahead of Wednesday night’s St James Park clash and there has been a lot of talk about Mbappe’s fitness after he suffered an injury in a recent home win against Marseille.

The 71-times capped France international limped out of the action during the first-half of his side’s 4-0 win after suffering an ankle injury in a challenge with Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi. Mbappe walked off the pitch to receive further treatment and returned to the action for a short time before finally succumbing to the blow as he was replaced by former Newcastle transfer target Goncalo Ramos.

So will Mbappe walk out at St James Park this week and face the Magpies on what is one of the most eagerly anticipated night’s in the club’s recent history?

What has Luis Enrique said about Mbappe’s injury?

Speaking ahead of PSG’s weekend visit to Clermont, the former Barcelona manager discussed the injury suffered by Mbappe, his recovery and his side’s need to improve after an indifferent start to the season.

He said: “He trained with the group without embarrassment, it is perfectly available. He received treatment this week and is in perfect condition. There are many areas for improvement. We are in a learning phase in our way of working. Over time, players will be able to identify things without needing to be shown them. I’m very happy with the players, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

PSG were held to a goalless draw by Clermont as Mbappe played the entire 90 minutes and was booked during the final 10 minutes of the game. The point saw Enrique’s side slip to fifth place in the Ligue 1 table - although they do remain just two points shy of current leaders Monaco.

What are the French media saying about Mbappe’s injury?

Despite Enrique’s insistence over Mbappe’s fitness and his appearance in the weekend draw, French outlet L’Equipe have claimed the forward is ‘not yet 100% physically’ and has played for three weeks ‘without rhythm’.

What else has been said about Mbappe?

Former Magpies winger Keith Gillespie, who starred in the famous 3-2 win over Barcelona in September 1997, is relishing the prospect of seeing a player many consider to be the best in the world walking out at St James Park and facing his old club.

He told Sky Sports News: “It’s very difficult to be able to handle a player like him because he’s so explosive. I don’t think I can recall anybody as quick as him, he’s absolutely frightening. Good luck to whoever is going to be marking him because it’s going to be a long, long night.

“If you can keep him quiet, you have a chance of winning the game. Paris Saint-Germain are a club that win their title quite easily every year, they don’t have that high intensity of what Premier League football is - so that might work in their advantage. The onus is on us (Newcastle) to go and win this game after a great point against AC Milan and a win tomorrow (Wednesday) night would be a great start to the campaign.”

Will Mbappe play against Newcastle?

Put simply, yes!

Mbappe’s 90-minute appearance in Saturday’s draw with Clermont and Enrique’s confirmation the France star has trained without any issues means it is certain United will face the World Cup winner at St James Park on Wednesday night.