Kylian Mbappe will still be able to play at Euro 2024 in a major boost for France. The striker suffered a fractured nose late in the Group D clash with Austria, walking off with his white shirt soaked in blood.
Despite conflicting reports, the French Football Federation have confirmed that Mbappe did not undergo surgery on the injury on Monday night. Instead, they have said that he will be treated by the squad’s medical staff at basecamp.
The 25-year-old will wear a mask and is expected to return to action during Euro 2024. “Kylian Mbappe returns to the base camp of the French national team,” the FFF said.
“Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France [match] held this Monday in Dusseldorf.
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“The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.
“Mbappe will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future. A mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition after a period dedicated to treatment.”
Mbappe, whose cross forced an own goal from Austria’s Maximilian Wober in a 1-0 win, jokingly posted on X afterwards: “Any ideas for masks?”
France boss Didier Deschamps was initially unsure whether Mbappe would be fit to take part in the remainder of the tournament. French publication Le Figaro report that Mbappe could miss the remainder of the group stage but this has not been confirmed.
Deschamps said: "He's not doing well. His nose got badly hit. We need to check it out but it seems quite complicated, which is really very unfortunate for us.
"The medical staff are checking him out. I saw him on the massage table. He didn't get off lightly. It's still to be seen and I cannot at this stage give you a precise answer."
Mbappe received treatment on the pitch after an accidental collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso. The forward, who will join Real Madrid this summer, was substituted and images showed that his nose had become disfigured.
France secured a narrow victory over Austria to kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign. Wober put through his own net to score the only goal of the game.
Mbappe missed an excellent chance in the second half, firing wide after racing through on goal. France face a tough test against the Netherlands on Friday before rounding off their group against Poland on June 25.
