Kylian Mbappe, France's star forward, might be out of action until the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose in France's opening match against Austria, reported by GOAL.
Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team, sustained a broken nose during France's 1-0 victory over Austria. The incident occurred late in the match when Mbappe collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso. Despite the win, the injury has significant implications for France's campaign in the tournament.
Expected return for Kylian Mbappe
According to RTL France, Mbappe is expected to be sidelined for at least 15 days. This timeline means that he will likely miss France's remaining group stage matches and might only return in time for the quarter-finals. This is a major setback for Les Bleus, as they prepare to face tougher opponents in the upcoming matches. However, the federation only ruled out Mbappe's return against the Netherlands, opening the door for his return as early as their last group stage match against Polans.
After the collision, Mbappe was substituted off and replaced by Olivier Giroud. He was then rushed to the hospital, where tests confirmed that his injury was serious but did not require surgery. Instead, Mbappe has been advised to wear a custom mask to protect his nose when he returns to play. This mask will allow him to participate in the later stages of the tournament without risking further injury.
Mbappe's absence is a significant blow for France, especially as they gear up to face the Netherlands in their next match on Friday. The Dutch team is known for its strong defense and attacking prowess, making it a challenging opponent for the French squad. As of right now, Mbappe is expected to return for the final group game against Poland on June 25. Until then, without their talismanic captain against Netherlands, France will need to rely on other key players to step up and fill the void.
France's coach, Didier Deschamps, will need to make strategic adjustments to compensate for Mbappe's absence. Players like Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema will have to shoulder more responsibility in leading the attack. Deschamps might also consider tweaking the formation to ensure the team remains competitive and effective without their star forward.
Mbappe's recovery and return
The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that Mbappe will be undergoing treatment and wearing a protective mask when he returns. The FFF stated, “Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second half of the Austria v France match this Monday in Duesseldorf. The captain of the French team was first taken care of by the medical staff and doctor Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed a broken nose. Diagnosis confirmed during radiological examinations at the Duesseldorf hospital. Kylian Mbappe has returned to the base camp of the French team. He will undergo treatment in the coming days, without undergoing surgery immediately. A mask will be made so as to allow the number 10 of the French team to consider resuming competition after a period devoted to treatment.”
Despite his injury, Mbappe maintained his sense of humor. He took to social media and asked his fans for mask design suggestions, posting, “Any ideas for masks?” This playful interaction showcases his positive attitude and determination to return to the field as soon as possible.
What's next for France at Euro 2024
France's immediate focus will be on their next match against the Netherlands. The team will need to regroup and strategize without Mbappe, relying on their depth and experience to secure a win. This match is crucial for their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Following the clash with the Netherlands, France will take on Poland in their final group stage match. By this time, the team will hope to have Kylian Mbappe back in his ranks.
If France can successfully navigate their group stage matches, they will look forward to face their next challenge in the quarter-finals. Mbappe's return would provide a significant boost to the team, enhancing their attacking options and increasing their chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe's injury is a significant hurdle for France at Euro 2024, but the team's depth and experience give them a fighting chance to advance in his absence. Fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return, hoping that his resilience and positive spirit will help lead France to glory in the later stages of the tournament.