"It will be spectacular." Deschamps Provides Mbappe Fitness Update As France Prepare For World Cup Semi-Final Against Spain

Didier Deschamps has acknowledged Spain's status as favourites ahead of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup semi-final, but insists France have everything they need to reach another major tournament final.

Speaking ahead of a mouth-watering clash between two European heavyweights, the France manager described Luis de la Fuente's side as the tournament's benchmark while expressing confidence that his own squad is physically, mentally and tactically prepared for one of the biggest tests of the competition.

France booked their place in the last four after overcoming Morocco, while Spain edged past Belgium to continue an impressive campaign built on defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.

Asked whether Spain deserved to be considered favourites, Deschamps had no hesitation.

"Yes, I agree," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"Spain has confirmed that it is the favourite. I don't want to put pressure on Luis and his team. He knows that people are expecting a lot from Spain."

The French coach reserved particular praise for Spain's balance, highlighting the qualities that have made them one of the standout teams in the tournament.

"Spain knows how to attack and defend very well," he said. "They have only conceded one goal in six or seven games."

Despite Spain's defensive record, Deschamps expects an entertaining encounter between two attack-minded sides.

"We know it can be a spectacular game with two teams that have a lot of quality in attack. Luis and I both think we know how to defend well, but with the offensive quality of both teams, you have to think it will be spectacular."

Among Spain's many attacking weapons, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal remains the player attracting the most attention.

Deschamps admitted the Barcelona winger will require special attention but stressed France have defenders capable of matching him.

"He is one of the players who is capable of making the difference," Deschamps said.

"The objective for every opponent is to limit that influence. He has a lot of influence with the Spanish team."

However, he dismissed the notion that France would become solely focused on stopping Yamal.

"There are different solutions because he's so dangerous in one-against-one situations. But I think making one-on-ones against some of my players is not a pleasure either. They are situations we need to manage well."

One of Deschamps' biggest decisions concerns the composition of his midfield and attack, with Aurélien Tchouaméni returning to contention after missing France's previous match.

The Real Madrid midfielder had been considered too great an injury risk in the quarter-final but is now available.

"The risk was too high in the last match," Deschamps explained.

"Today he's better. You can't say he's 100 per cent healed, but it's a World Cup semi-final. Today he's available again."

Competition also continues between Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué for a starting place.

"Both have the potential to start," Deschamps said. "They know each other, they like each other, they've played together and alternated before."

"The important thing is that the one who starts is good and the one who comes in is good too. It has happened like that so far, so let's hope it continues."

France have suffered defeats against Spain in recent meetings, including the European Championship and UEFA Nations League, but Deschamps insists those matches carry little relevance.

"There is no revenge," he said.

"What happened, happened. They won both games. What interests me is tomorrow."

While acknowledging Spain's possession-based approach, he believes France possess the attacking quality to create problems of their own.

"We are also a team that needs the ball and is capable of creating problems for the opponent."

"It is a semi-final. There is a place in the final. There will only be one winner and we will do everything for it to be us."

Deschamps also moved quickly to dismiss concerns surrounding captain Kylian Mbappé after the forward completed a lighter training session.

Asked whether there was any doubt over his availability, the France boss offered a brief but emphatic response.

"100. We can't go more than 100."

The coach also confirmed the squad has recovered well despite the demands of the tournament and believes freshness could still play a significant role.

"Freshness is always an important element in a competition like this," he said.

"We're in good shape. The group is ready for tomorrow's game."

Tuesday's fixture will also be played on France's national holiday, Bastille Day, adding further significance to an already enormous occasion.

Deschamps acknowledged the symbolism but insisted the objective remains purely sporting.

"July 14 is a symbolic day for France, for all French people," he said.

"We know our objective. We won't be satisfied just to be in the last four. We are competitors."

"We will do everything so that this afternoon goes very well for us."

With two of the world's strongest squads meeting for a place in the World Cup final, Deschamps expects the teams to be closely matched. France may enter as underdogs in his eyes, but the veteran coach made one thing abundantly clear: Les Bleus believe they have everything needed to end Spain's march and take one more step towards football's biggest prize.