Kylian Mbappe reveals how France are missing Paul Pogba ahead of Euro 2024 quarter-final with Portugal

Mbappe acknowledged the significant void left by Pogba's absence, who had been a key figure in France's midfield, as he is currently serving a four-year suspension from all football-related activities following a failed doping test in August 2023. The World Cup-winning midfielder tested positive for a banned substance in a routine doping test, with his B sample confirming the initial result.

Mbappe mentioned that the lack of Pogba has forced him to change his movements on the pitch which has in turn influenced the ability to make his characteristic runs behind the defence.

"Why do I not make runs in behind anymore? It depends on the team," Mbappe explained. "A striker must always adapt to all situations, to his teammates, to their characteristics. Many people refer to the game we had when I arrived in the national team. But we had different players. For example, in the middle, we had Paul Pogba. With him, you just have to lower your head, run, make a call and you know that the ball will arrive at your foot."

Pogba is currently appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), hoping to overturn or reduce the ban that has kept him away from the pitch since last year. However, he received an overwhelmingly positive reception from fans during France's Euro 2024 round of 16 match against Belgium in Dusseldorf. He was greeted with chants and cheers from French supporters as he made his way to the stands - a testament to his enduring popularity and the high regard in which he is held by the French people.

The partnership between Pogba and Mbappe has been a fruitful one for France. The duo have played 41 matches together for Les Bleus, with Mbappe scoring 20 times and providing 17 assists during these games.

As France gear up for their quarter-final clash with Portugal, Mbappe will have to continue adapting without Pogba. He has scored just once at Euro 2024 and will hope to get a few more on the big night to propel France to the semi-finals.