Mbappe Will Have to Play With Mask For Rest Of Euros

Kylian Mbappe will be forced to play with a specially designed mask for the remainder of Euro 2024 after suffering a fractured nose in France’s opening Group D game against Austria, a game in which the forward registered an assist as Les Belus ran out 1-0 winners.

Mbappe, 25, who captains his country, fractured his nose in a collision with Austria defender Kevin Danso, who has since sent his best wishes to the striker. Mbappe, who has just signed for Real Madrid as a free agent from PSG, was initially thought to require surgery to fix the fracture, but this hasn’t proved to be the case. However, the situation appears to be a moving one as things stand.

Before the tournament began, France was the joint favorite to win the tournament alongside England, according to Euro 2024 betting. And, not surprisingly, Mbappe was tipped to be the top scorer in Germany. Since his injury, Mbappe has seen England’s Harry Kane and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo move ahead of him where the odds are concerned.

As mentioned above, the situation is one that continues to move, but there’s a belief that Mbappe will now don a mask for the rest of the tournament, which will allow him to continue to lead Les Bleus. Something you’d imagine manager Didier Deschamps is keen to happen, especially when his team could only manage a 1-0 victory over Austria in their tournament opener.

But there are also concerns that Mbappe may have to sit out the rest of the group stage before making a return with a face mask for the knockout rounds, which France look very likely to qualify for. France will play the Netherlands next before completing their Group D games against Poland.

Against Austria, Mbappe played as the central striker in the main and was flanked on either side by Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram, son of France legend Lilian. If Mbappe has to miss fixtures, Deschamps could decide to deploy Thuram through the middle, as he’s enjoyed a productive season for Inter, with goals and assists aplenty. Antoine Griezmann could also be moved further forward, and there’s also the option to call on Olivier Giroud, who came on as a substitute against Austria.

Deschamps and France will be hoping Mbappe is ready to play against the Netherlands because he’s the captain and also one of the most feared attacking forces in world football. However, the decision will come down to medical advice and whether a bespoke mask can be produced in time for the fixture that could see Les Bleus confirm their participation in the knockout stages of Euro 2024.

If Mbappe isn’t ready, Deschamps will know his side arguably only need to defeat either the Netherlands or Poland to make it out of the group, something the former France midfielder will believe is very possible, and even likely, considering the talent he has at his disposal for the top end of the pitch.