Despite the win, Mbappe worries Galtier and fans

Christophe Galtier has offered a reassuring update to French fans after Kylian Mbappe was substituted 85 minutes into PSG's game against Lorient. PSG beat Lorient thanks to a late winner from Danilo Pereira but all eyes were on Mbappe as the forward was substituted in the 85th minute. He headed down the tunnel, leading to questions about injury with the World Cup two weeks away.

PSG boss Galtier offered a positive update saying, "Mbappé? Nothing serious. He made an effort. He was tired, he was very much in demand. It's much better to ask to go out than to stay on the pitch and be totally absent. But the World Cup is automatically in the players' heads. There is always information that can make them doubt. Today, I saw some restraint. An effort that we make a little less."

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Galtier suggested his team may have been more cautious today with the showpiece event on the horizon. Players such as Alphonso Davies and Heung-min Son have suffered minor injuries in the past few days, sparking fears of their World Cup involvement. PSG have just one more game before the World Cup, facing Auxerre on November 13. 

Mbappe will be trying his best to ensure he comes through that with no knocks in order to be fully fit for the tournament. It is only natural for players to try to shield themselves from unnecessary challenges, but as schoolboys are told, it is often when a tackle is entered half-heartedly that injury results.

Play your natural game

Playing with one eye on the World Cup also does not mean that players will be shielded from injury in the tournament itself. What use is it saving oneself for the showpiece only to get injured in the first round? Players should just go about their business naturally, whether it is for their clubs or countries. What will be will be.