France's football team captain, Kylian Mbappe, will not require surgery but will wear a mask when he returns to play. He suffered a broken nose in the 1-0 match against Austria on Monday in Dusseldorf, during the first round of Group D matches in the European Championship 2024™. The French Football Federation confirmed this while in Germany.
Mbappe was injured in the 86th minute when he went up to head a cross and collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso's shoulder, falling to the ground. The French star, who scored the winning goal by making a cross that was mistakenly turned into an own-goal by Austrian defender Maximilian Fauber, had to leave the field in the 90th minute due to a broken nose with blood flowing from it. A source close to him mentioned that it was still too early to determine the exact duration of his absence.
French Federation President Philippe Diallo told reporters that Mbappe "will not need surgery, and he will be fine."
A statement published by the Federation confirmed the extent of the injury, saying that Mbappe underwent radiological examinations in a hospital in Dusseldorf and returned to the French national team’s camp in Paderborn.
He added, "A mask will be made that will allow (Mbappé) to think about returning to the field after a period of treatment."
However, it is not clear whether Mbappe will be able to play in France's next match against the Netherlands in Leipzig on Friday.
France coach Didier Deschamps was not optimistic when he spoke to reporters after the match. He said, “He is in bad condition. He is not feeling well. He is in the hands of the medical team. He has a damaged nose, that is for sure. We will see, but the matter seems complicated. I do not have Information, decisions will be made and I cannot provide specific details, because I do not have anything.”
The injury sustained by the first star of the world runner-up is considered very bad for the coach, who saw his men struggle to win against Austria, and also wasted many opportunities.
In reference to the seriousness of the situation, the coach wanted to remind that “the French team with Kylian will always be stronger.”
Mbappe was treated by the medical staff on the field, and his white shirt was stained with blood as he walked on the touchline holding his nose.
Mbappe was forced to return to the field without permission from Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano after he saw his teammates suffering from a numerical deficiency while he was receiving treatment outside. He entered and sat down immediately and received a yellow card. He was replaced by veteran striker Olivier Giroud.
Deschamps was at least happy with the result, as France started their campaign with a victory in their quest to win a first continental title since 2000.
“It is good to start with a victory over such competitors,” he said, adding, “We could and should have performed better in some opportunities. But overall, it was positive, and we showed that we are ready to fight as well.”
He continued, "This is important. We have quality and talent, but we have to stay strong as well."
