Kylian Mbappe's participation in France's upcoming match against the Netherlands remains uncertain after the striker broke his nose in their opening Euro 2024 win against Austria.
The 25-year-old forward had to leave the field during France's 1-0 victory on Monday following a collision with Austria's Kevin Danso. Mbappe's nose struck Danso's shoulder during an aerial challenge, leading to his substitution.
Mbappe was taken to a hospital in Dusseldorf, where the fracture was confirmed. He has since returned to the national team's camp. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced that an update on Mbappe's condition will be provided on Wednesday.
Despite the injury, Mbappe, who contributed to France's winning goal against Austria with a cross that was deflected into the net by defender Max Wober, does not require surgery. The FFF indicated that a protective mask will be made for him.
France's head coach, Didier Deschamps, commented on Mbappe's condition in a post-match news conference, stating the star player was "not doing well."
Mbappe has an impressive record with 47 goals in 80 appearances for his national team, though he has yet to score in a European Championship. He is set to join Real Madrid after the tournament, upon the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.
Mask to Be Used Upon Return
It is anticipated that Mbappe will need to wear a mask once he is cleared to return to the field. Former Spain international and current BBC pundit, Cesc Fabregas, who has experience playing with a protective mask, remarked that it should not hinder Mbappe's performance.
"It's a bit uncomfortable [but] I think once you start training with it a little bit and played a few games it's fine," Fabregas told BBC Sport. "I can't say it's a wonderful thing, but it will not make you play bad, that will not be an excuse."
Drawing from his own experience, Fabregas believes Mbappe might be able to play on Friday. Fabregas himself suffered a broken nose while playing for Chelsea against Stoke and was quickly fitted with a mask in Milan, Italy, within 36 hours.
"It was very fast, they did the fitting and measurements of my face and then after a couple of hours I tried it," he recalled. "It fitted quite well and after just a couple of training sessions I was straight into playing, so it was very fast and comfortable to wear."
The French squad and fans alike are keenly awaiting further updates on their captain's condition as they prepare for their next match.
