Kylian Mbappe, France’s star forward and captain, sustained a broken nose during their 1-0 victory over Austria at Euro 2024 on Monday. The injury occurred late in the match after a collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso.
Mbappe, 25, was challenging for a header when he inadvertently crashed into Danso’s shoulder, leading to his substitution. He was immediately taken to a local hospital in Düsseldorf for X-rays, confirming the fracture.
“Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second half of the Austria v France match,” the French Football Federation (FFF) announced. “After initial care by our medical staff, the diagnosis was confirmed at the Düsseldorf hospital.”
Following the examination, Mbappe returned to the French team’s base camp. While he won’t require immediate surgery, he will begin a period of treatment. The FFF has indicated that a protective mask will be crafted to facilitate his return to play.
Mbappe’s availability for France’s upcoming match against the Netherlands on Friday remains uncertain, posing a significant challenge for Les Bleus. His potential absence could impact France’s momentum in the tournament as they aim for the Euro 2024 title.