The sight of Kylian Mbappé writhing around on the field before leaving on Monday won’t be the last time French fans see him at UEFA Euro 2024.
Still, Mbappé is likely to miss France’s next game against the Netherlands on Friday after breaking his nose in its opening match of the tournament, ESPN.com reported.
During a challenge for a ball in the air in the 86th minute in the penalty area, Mbappé collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder and fell hard in France’s 1-0 win.
Mbappé, France’s captain and star player, was seen rolling around on the turf post-collision.
EURO 2024 match between Austria. Getty Images
He was removed from the game and taken to the hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany, following the Group D game.
The French forward was responsible for the only goal of the match, which came from a cross that deflected off Austrian defender Maximilian Wöber’s head.
According to ESPN, Mbappé has avoided any form of surgery that would keep him out for the whole tournament.
However, the team wishes to be cautious with the 25-year-old.
Instead, he will wear a custom mask when he returns to play, which he hinted at with a message on X:
“Any ideas for a mask?” he wrote in French.
Philippe Diallo, French Football Federation (FFF) president, expressed hope regarding Mbappé’s return to the tournament.
“You saw it, he had this injury to his nose, the news is rather reassuring,” Diallo said at a news conference on Tuesday. “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.”
Following Monday’s match, Danso – the Austria defender who collided with Mbappé – posted a message of sympathy to the French forward on X.
“I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly get back on the pitch.” the defender wrote. “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappé was injured from our duel.”
On June 3, La Liga club Real Madrid announced that Mbappé signed a five-year contract with the club, just two days after winning the 2024 UEFA Champions League final.
After years of speculation about a potential transfer to Madrid, soccer fans have eagerly awaited this moment after a successful seven-year stint at PSG.
“It’s hard. I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that I will be leaving my country. France, the Ligue 1, a championship that I have always known but I think I need this. A new challenge after seven years.” he shared after announcing that he had decided not to extend his contract.
The former PSG star shared a heartfelt message on X accompanied by photos of his young self wearing a Madrid jacket while visiting the club, including one with Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
“A dream come true,” Mbappé wrote. “So happy and proud to join the club of my dream. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas (Madrid fans), and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid!”
After taking on the Netherlands, France finishes group play against Poland on Tuesday.
In pursuit of a major title to follow up their 2018 World Cup victory, the team will need their captain.