Kylian Mbappe’s participation in France’s upcoming match against the Netherlands remains uncertain after he broke his nose in their opening Euro 2024 win against Austria. The 25-year-old striker was forced off the pitch after his face collided with opponent Kevin Danso’s shoulder during an aerial challenge. Mbappe was taken to the hospital where the break was confirmed, but he does not require surgery for the injury. The French Football Federation (FFF) will provide an update on his condition on Wednesday.
Mbappe, who played a crucial role in France’s victory over Austria, will not let the injury deter him. He has scored an impressive 47 goals in 80 appearances for his country, but he is yet to find the back of the net in a European Championship. Despite the setback, Mbappe remains determined to make an impact in the tournament.
To facilitate his return to the team, a protective mask will be made for Mbappe. The FFF has stated that wearing a mask will not be an excuse for any potential dip in performance. Former Spain international and BBC pundit, Cesc Fabregas, who has played with a mask before, reassures Mbappe that it will not affect his game negatively. Fabregas states that while it may be uncomfortable initially, once Mbappe gets used to training and playing with the mask, it will not hinder his performance.
Fabregas draws from his personal experience when he broke his nose while playing for Chelsea against Stoke. Within just 36 hours, he traveled to Milan to be fitted with a mask by the club’s doctor. Fabregas found the process to be quick, with the mask fitting well and being comfortable to wear. After a couple of training sessions, he was able to return to playing without any issues.
Based on his own experiences, Fabregas believes Mbappe will be able to play against the Netherlands on Friday. With the necessary precautions and support, Mbappe can overcome this setback and continue to contribute to France’s success in the tournament.