Kylian Mbappe, the former PSG star set to join Real Madrid this summer, will be sitting out a game following an on-pitch accident with Austria during the Euros.
The French Football Federation has confirmed that the poster boy of the French team will not require surgery, which would have sidelined him for the entire competition. Instead, he will wear a specially made-mask upon his return.
Despite his initial hopes of playing, sources have informed ESPN that Mbappe will miss the upcoming match against the Netherlands on Friday due to his injury. France is prioritizing Mbappe’s recovery to ensure his availability for the remainder of the tournament.
As a result, he is unlikely to feature in Friday’s game and may make his comeback against Poland on June 25 if necessary and if his nose has healed.
Following France’s 1-0 victory over Austria, Mbappe, who was hospitalized in Düsseldorf, Germany, after the incident, took to social media to ask for suggestions for his mask.
FFF president Philippe Diallo expressed optimism during a press conference on Tuesday about Mbappe’s potential return to 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,” added Danso, whose back was turned when Mbappe’s face struck his shoulder.
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