Kylian Mbappe suffered a fractured nose during France’s UEFA Euro 2024 win over Austria on Monday but will not undergo surgery at this time. The Real Madrid forward sustained the injury in the 86th minute of the game at the Dusseldorf Arena after colliding with the shoulder of Austria defender Kevin Danso as he contested an aerial ball.
Injury Details and Immediate Response
The 25-year-old was seen bleeding heavily from his nose as he was attended to by medical staff on the pitch. His France shirt was also stained with blood following the injury. France confirmed the diagnosis following X-rays at a local hospital.
Speculations About Mbappe’s Return
Mbappe’s participation in Friday’s Group D game with the Netherlands will now be the subject of much speculation although the player himself appeared to hint he would play. “Any ideas for masks,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Reactions from the Team
Speaking before the diagnosis was confirmed, head coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the blow that losing Mbappe to injury would be for his side. Asked by French television channel TF1 if the fear was a broken nose, he said: “Apparently yes, his nose is not good at all. So we’ll see. It’s obviously the negative point of the evening. Even if it’s just his nose it’s annoying for us.”
Asked how they could replace their skipper in the event he misses time, Deschamps said: “Not going to go into hypothesis. French team with Kylian will always be stronger with him. If you lose him, have to go without him. But Kylian is Kylian.”
Midfielder N’Golo Kante, man of the match in Dusseldorf, was in the dark after the game but hoping for the best for his teammate. “We were worried to see Kylian leave the pitch like that,” he said. “We don’t know what the situation is but we want to see him back soon.”
On-Field Drama
Mbappe left the field of play to receive further treatment while Austria made a substitute and Youssouf Fofana and Olivier Giroud were readied to come on for France. However, Austria then re-started play with a throw-in and Mbappe returned to the pitch while still bleeding.
He was subsequently booked by referee Jesus Gil Manzano before being replaced by Giroud. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game state the referee must ensure “that any player bleeding leaves the field of play.
Rules and Consequences
“If the referee has authorised the doctors and/or stretcher bearers to enter the field of play, the player must leave on a stretcher or on foot. A player who does not comply must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.” Yellow cards are wiped at the conclusion of the last eight.
Match Outcome and Team Performance
France won the match 1-0 after Maximilian Wober’s first-half own goal following an Mbappe cross. “It’s good to start with a victory against a really good opponent with a lot of athletic qualities, put a lot of pressure on our team,” Deschamps said.
“We could and should have got the lead earlier. Could have transformed certain occasions. Overall assess it as positive. We had to fight, but this is important. It’s a common denominator in these matches. It’s so intense.”
Looking Ahead
The coming days will be crucial for Mbappe and the French team as they prepare for their next matches in UEFA Euro 2024. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift recovery. As always, the presence of Mbappe on the field significantly boosts the team’s chances and morale.
