Kylian Mbappé will miss France‘s next game at Euro 2024 after suffering a broken nose in their opening match of tournament against Austria, sources told ESPN.
The French Football Federation confirmed the forward has avoided needing surgery, which would have ruled him out for the competition. He will instead wear a custom-made mask when he returns.
Sources told ESPN that he will be out injured for their next game — scheduled against Netherlands on Friday — despite Mbappé initially hoping he would be able to play.
“There will be more tests tomorrow to see how things are developing. Obviously it was a big collision,” France coach Didier Deschamps said Tuesday. “The medical staff have done what they needed to reduce it as much as possible. This morning he was a bit better, so we will see that and we will follow it closely each day.”
France do not want to take any risks with Mbappé given he will be needed for the rest of the tournament, but he could return against Poland on June 25 if required, should his nose feel better.
France earned a 1-0 win against Group D opponents Austria on Monday, marking a positive start for Didier Deschamps’ side as they chase a major title to follow up their victory at the 2018 World Cup.
Mbappé, who was taken to hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany, after the match, posted on social media: “Any ideas for a mask?”
FFF president Philippe Diallo told a news conference on Tuesday that he is hopeful Mbappé will return at the European Championship.
“You saw it, he had this injury to his nose, the news is rather reassuring,” Diallo said. “There won’t be an operation in the short term. Concerning his return, it is premature today to give a timetable; we’re going to wait for the latest information from the doctor this morning.”
“Everyone returned late from Düsseldorf, so we will wait for developments. But the information is quite positive regarding the operation which would have permanently removed him from the tournament, which is not the case.”
Kevin Danso, the Austria defender Mbappé collided with, sent a message of sympathy to the France forward on Tuesday.
“I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly get back on the pitch,” Danso said on social media.
“To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured from our duel,” Danso, whose back was turned when Mbappé’s face struck his shoulder, added.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
