Kylian Mbappe, the star forward and captain of the French national team, is set to undergo surgery on his broken nose, as confirmed by France manager Didier Deschamps, reported by GOAL. This announcement comes after Mbappe sustained a significant injury during France's Euro 2024 opener against Austria.

In a dramatic turn of events during France's 1-0 victory over Austria, Mbappe collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, resulting in a fractured nose for the French skipper. The injury occurred late in the match, and Mbappe was quickly taken to the hospital for immediate medical attention. Initially, the French Football Federation indicated that surgery might not be necessary. However, further developments have changed that prognosis.

Deschamps provides update on Mbappe

France's head coach, Didier Deschamps, has now provided a critical update on Mbappe's condition. According to Deschamps, more tests are scheduled for Wednesday to assess the extent of the injury and to plan the next steps. While surgery is inevitable, there is a possibility that it may be postponed until after the tournament.

Deschamps said:
“This Wednesday there will be more tests to see his evolution. It was a major shock. The medical staff did everything necessary to reduce it as much as possible, after the tests. Even if there is not surgery immediately, he will have to do it after the tournament. This morning he was already a little better, so we will see. We will follow it closely every day.”

According to RTL France, Mbappe is expected to be sidelined for at least 15 days. This timeline suggests that he might miss the group stage matches but could return by the quarter-finals if France advances. Despite the severity of the injury, Mbappe's participation in the tournament is not entirely ruled out. The French Football Federation plans to fit him with a custom mask to protect his nose, potentially allowing him to play in upcoming matches.

France's next challenge in Euro 2024 is against the Netherlands on Friday. The absence of Mbappe would be a significant blow to the team, given his pivotal role and leadership on the field. However, the French squad is hopeful that with the custom mask, Mbappe might still make an appearance, although it will depend on his recovery and comfort levels.

What's next for Mbappe and France

Mbappe's injury and potential absence come at a crucial time for France. As one of the most influential players in the squad, his ability to change the game's dynamics is unparalleled. His speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess have been instrumental in France's recent successes, including their World Cup victory in 2018.

Without Mbappe, Deschamps will need to adjust his strategies and possibly rely more on other key players such as Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and the emerging talents in the squad. The team's depth will be tested, and how well they adapt to this challenge could determine their success in the tournament.

Fans around the world have expressed their support for Mbappe, hoping for his speedy recovery. Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement, and there is a collective anticipation for his return. The possibility of seeing Mbappe play with a protective mask has also generated considerable interest and speculation.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappe's recovery and France's performance without their star player. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their path in Euro 2024. With or without Mbappe, France remains a formidable team, but his presence could be the difference between a good run and championship glory.

While Kylian Mbappe faces a challenging time with his injury, the resilience of the French team and the player's determination could still see them through this tough phase. Fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting updates, hoping to see their captain back in action soon.