France captain Griedge Mbock fit to return for Euro 2025 quarter-final but not seeking Germany ‘revenge'
The 30-year-old, however, does not see the fixture as an opportunity for 'revenge' for Les Bleues' 2-1 semi-final defeat against the same opponents at Euro 2022.
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Mbock has been absent for all of France's three group-stage wins with a right calf injury, sustained in late June. But head coach Laurent Bonadei confirmed the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back will be ready to play on Saturday.
'Griedge has suffered in silence all this time away from the pitch but she was present with her team-mates,' Bonadei told a press conference on Friday. 'She is fit to start tomorrow's match. There were 23 of us at training this morning. Everyone is fit.'
Mbock, meanwhile, is 'excited' to return. 'I've taken all the energy the team has given me, which has helped me get through my absence,' she said. 'I can't wait to contribute to the game.
'This isn't revenge (from the 2022 semi-final), it's a new competition. There's only one ticket to the semi-finals, so it's up to us to take it and do what it takes to qualify.'
Bonadei, however, remained coy on who he would partner alongside Mbock in defence. Real Madrid's Maelle Lakrar is available having missed France's last two victories over the Netherlands and Wales with a hamstring injury.
Instead it has been the young inexperienced duo of Thiniba Samoura and Alice Sombath who have stood resolute at the back. Sombath has started all three of France's games but has struggled with cramp.
On the possible pairing of Mbock and Lakrar, who are both returning from injury, Bonadei said: 'Having Griedge back in defence is great, because she's an experienced player. But just because we conceded goals in the first few matches, that doesn't mean the other players failed defensively. You'll see tomorrow who she'll be paired with.'
Since 2009, France have lost eight times at this stage of the tournament, barring Euro 2022. The quarter-finals have become a sticking point but this France team have shown resilience, coming from 2-1 down to beat the Netherlands 5-2 in their last group stage fixture on Sunday.
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'We showed strength of character in the matches where we were behind,' said Mbock. 'We know we can turn things around at any moment, and that's our strength. You could even call it extra spirit. We have a complete team that enjoys playing together and is capable of surprising people at any moment. We know how to be patient in order to turn things around.'
'Rather than a glass ceiling, I would prefer to talk about a hurdle to overcome,' added Bonadei. 'I believe that this team is progressing and overcoming hurdles, with the Nations League, a group that was predicted to be a challenging one. I have complete confidence in them.'
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