In a dramatic turn of events during France’s opening game at Euro 2024, star forward Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose but will not require immediate surgery, according to the French Football Federation (FFF).
Mbappe collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso during France’s 1-0 victory over Austria. The 25-year-old captain’s face struck Danso’s shoulder in an aerial challenge, forcing him off the field. Doctors at a local hospital in Dusseldorf confirmed the fracture.
The FFF announced they would fashion a protective mask for Mbappe. However, they remain uncertain if he will participate in France’s next match against the Netherlands on Friday.
Despite the injury, Mbappe attempted to return to the game, resulting in a brief chaotic moment. France’s attempt to substitute him with Olivier Giroud was delayed, leading Mbappe to re-enter the field without authorization. This act earned him a yellow card before the substitution was properly executed.
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps expressed concern over the injury in a post-match press conference. “Kylian is not doing well; his nose got badly hit,” Deschamps stated. “We need to check it out, but it seems quite complicated, which is really very unfortunate for us. He didn’t get off lightly.”
Mbappe’s contribution was pivotal in the match, as his cross led to Austria’s Max Wober scoring an own goal, securing France’s narrow victory. Mbappe, who boasts 47 goals in 80 appearances for France, has yet to score in a European Championship, despite his 12 World Cup goals.
As the French team prepares for their clash against the Netherlands, Deschamps acknowledged the uncertainty of Mbappe’s availability. “I’m not going to go into hypothesis, but the French team with Kylian will always be stronger with him,” he said. “If the news doesn’t go along these lines, then we will have to fight without him.”
The upcoming summer will also see Mbappe making a significant career move, as he is set to join Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. His presence on the field remains crucial to France’s ambitions of clinching their third European title.
