Soccer-France's Deschamps backs Mbappe, Kimpembe to shrug off PSG struggles

(Reuters) - France manager Didier Deschamps has backed striker Kylian Mbappe and defender Presnel Kimpembe to shrug off their struggles at Paris Saint-Germain and put their best foot forward if called upon to play at home to South Africa in a friendly on Tuesday.

PSG have struggled in recent weeks, losing 3-0 to AS Monaco in Ligue 1 earlier this month, 11 days after being knocked out of the Champions League last 16 by Real Madrid.

Kimpembe was below-par in both matches and was left on the bench for France's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast last week, while Mbappe, who was possibly the only irreproachable player in PSG's defeats, has cut a frustrated figure recently.

"Since (Mbappe) arrived, he is radiant, he is smiling, he is as we know him," Deschamps told reporters on Monday. "Elimination with PSG is already behind him. He is part of the group, he knows that he is important for the group.

"I'm not going to judge (Kimpembe) on these matches at PSG. He has no more worries. He played many matches with us.

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