Kylian Mbappe will be sidelined for France’s next Euro 2024 match after fracturing his nose during their tournament opener against Austria, ESPN sources confirmed.
The French Football Federation has announced that the star forward will not require surgery, a relief that prevents him from being ruled out for the remainder of Euro 2024. Instead, Mbappe will wear a custom-made mask upon his return to the pitch.
However, sources have told ESPN that Mbappe will miss France’s highly anticipated Next Euro Game against the Netherlands on Friday. This news comes despite Mbappe’s initial hopes of being able to play in this crucial Group D clash.
France coach Didier Deschamps addressed the injury on Tuesday, stating, “There will be more tests tomorrow to see how things are developing. Obviously it was a big collision. The medical staff have done what they needed to reduce it as much as possible. This morning he was a bit better, so we will see that and we will follow it closely each day.”
The French national team is understandably cautious and unwilling to take any risks with Mbappe’s health, especially considering his importance for their Euro 2024 campaign. There is a possibility of Mbappe returning for the final Group D game against Poland on June 25, provided his nose has sufficiently recovered.
France initiated their Euro 2024 journey with a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria, a positive start in their quest for a major international title, following their triumph at the 2018 World Cup.
After the match, Mbappe was taken to a hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany, for further assessment. He lightheartedly addressed fans on social media, asking for “Any ideas for a mask?”
FFF president Philippe Diallo conveyed a sense of optimism regarding Mbappe’s participation in the rest of the European Championship during a press conference on Tuesday.
“You saw it, he had this injury to his nose, the news is rather reassuring,” Diallo stated. “There won’t be an operation in the short term. Concerning his return, it is premature today to give a timetable; we’re going to wait for the latest information from the doctor this morning.”
“Everyone returned late from Düsseldorf, so we will wait for developments. But the information is quite positive regarding the operation which would have permanently removed him from the tournament, which is not the case.”
Kevin Danso, the Austrian defender involved in the collision with Mbappe, expressed his regret and well-wishes to the French captain.
“I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly get back on the pitch,” Danso shared on social media.
Danso, who had his back turned when Mbappe’s face made contact with his shoulder, added, “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured from our duel.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
