Masked Kylian Mbappe scores twice for France in a behind-closed-doors friendly ahead of his Euro 2024 return after suffering horror nose break during victory against Austria
- Kylian Mbappé is aiming for a quick return to the 2024 European Championship after breaking his nose
- He collided with the shoulder of Austrian Kevin Danso during the group opener
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Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France while wearing a mask during a behind-closed-doors friendly as he seeks a Euro 2024 return after breaking his nose.
The forward suffered the grizzly injury during Les Blues’ first group match, a 1-0 win against Austria, after colliding with defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder.
But Mbappe moved a step closer to a comeback after playing against German side Paderborn Under-21s on Saturday, a significant boost for boss Didier Deschamps.
France gave invaluable minutes to players who had played cameo roles or were unused substitutes during the 0-0 draw against the Netherlands on Friday evening.
Real Madrid frontman Mbappe, wearing a sleek black mask, scored twice and provided two assists after playing in each of the 30-minute halves of the friendly.
Masked Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France in a behind-closed-doors friendly
The striker is nearing his return at the 2024 European Championships after suffering a broken nose during the group opener
Both teams were told to avoid heavy contact to minimize the risk of injury and Mbappe emerged unscathed on the left side of the French front line.
The game also gave Mbappe, 25, a chance to test out the mask designed to protect his face after his nose was effectively shattered earlier in the tournament.
Mbappe accidentally made contact with Danso’s shoulder but did not require surgery after his nose was reset by medics in the dressing room.
He had seemingly been in contention to play against the Netherlands, but ended up staying on the bench for the full 90 minutes – while holding on to his mask.
Mbappé made contact with Austrian Kevin Danso and his nose was visibly deformed
His nose was reset in the dressing room and Mbappé was able to return against Poland on Tuesday
“I wasn’t bluffing against Kylian at all,” Deschamps told reporters after the match.
‘If it had been a decisive match, I might have thought twice. There is a risk, and every day we get closer. It was wiser to keep him on the bench.’
Les Blues are second in Group D after the 0-0 draw in Leipzig and no decision has yet been made on whether Mbappe will return against Poland on Tuesday.
France will undergo light training at headquarters before leaving for Dortmund tomorrow. They will train there in the stadium.