DUSSELDORF, Germany — France’s star striker, Kylian Mbappé, suffered a broken nose during Monday’s European Championship match. He will need to wear a protective mask if he continues to play in the tournament.
The World Cup champion had to be taken out of the game after a collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso during the Group D match at Dusseldorf Arena. France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, was unsure if the injury would end Mbappé’s Euro 2024 participation.
Mbappé was transported to a hospital in Dusseldorf, where the French Football Federation confirmed the severity of the injury.
“He will receive treatment in the coming days, but surgery will not be immediate,” the federation stated. “A mask will be made to allow the number 10 of the French team to potentially resume competition after a period dedicated to treatment.”
Mbappé sustained the injury during an aerial collision when his face hit Danso’s shoulder. Images captured the incident, showing Mbappé’s nose bloodied and swollen, and him visibly in pain as Austria’s goalkeeper, Patrick Pentz, called for medical assistance.
Later, Mbappé addressed the incident on social media.
“Any ideas for masks?” he posted on X.
France reported that Mbappé has returned to the team’s training camp with the rest of the squad.
