- The France captain was forced off the field during France’s match against Austria
- Mbappé joked about his predicament when he asked his followers for mask ideas
- Listen to It all starts! Why does Germany feel like a country not yet ready to host Euro 2024?
Kylian Mbappe could be sidelined until the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose during France’s tournament opener against Austria, according to reports in France.
Didier Deschamps’ captain collided with Kevin Danso battling for the ball during a French corner kick on Monday night and was forced off the pitch with blood pouring from his nose and covering his shirt.
The French Football Federation confirmed early on Tuesday morning that while Mbappe did not require surgery, he would require treatment ‘in the coming days’.
French news channel RTL However, suggested on Tuesday that the Real Madrid star could be out of action for at least a fortnight.
It is believed that an inside source within the France camp discussed a possible 15-day absence with the outlet, which would rule out the 25-year-old from a possible round of 16 that would take place between June 30 and July 2.
Kylian Mbappe could be sidelined until the quarter-finals if France reach them at the European Championship
The 25-year-old was helped off the field with blood streaming from his nose to his shirt
Didier Deschamps confirmed at full-time that the injury was serious for the skipper
France made a strong start to their campaign as they powered past a gritty Austrian side to claim a 1-0 victory despite losing their biggest star late on.
If they were to progress without Mbappe, the player could potentially return in time for Les Bleus’ semi-final, which could take place against England and top Group C.
A positive evening for the French fans deteriorated just before match time when Mbappe was shown a yellow card after attempting to stop play for Deschamps to substitute him.
After the final whistle, the manager – who was celebrating his hundredth victory in charge of the national team in Düsseldorf – quickly confirmed the seriousness of the game.
‘I saw him lying on the massage table. It’s not a scratch,” Deschamps said.
‘The French team will always be stronger with Kylian. But if the news doesn’t go that way, we’ll fight without him.”
Mbappe was then rushed to a hospital in the German city for rapid treatment.
FFF confirmed he was treated by doctor Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed the player with a ‘fracture of the nose’.
The France captain clashed with Kevin Danso on Monday in the build-up to the French corner
The 25-year-old later picked up a yellow card when he tried to stop play to make France’s substitutions
The Real Madrid star joked about his disastrous injury after the final whistle on Monday evening
“A mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to competition,” the statement said.
A conscious Mbappe poked fun at the possibility before the statement was released, when he took to social media and asked his followers: “Any ideas for masks?”
Although he did not score, Mbappe played a key role in France’s winner against Austria, with Maximilian Wober scoring an own goal after his cross.
After their match against the Netherlands on Friday, Les Bleus will take on Poland on June 25 in their final match in Group D, as they look to win the European Championship for the first time since 2000.