June 18 – The future of Europe’s top superstar, Kylian Mbappe, in the Euros has been plunged into doubt after it was confirmed he suffered a broken nose during his country’s opening game.
Mbappé’s injury in France’s 1-0 win against Austria made headlines across the Continent, potentially ruling him out of Europe’s number one side at least for the crunch heavyweight game against the Netherlands on Friday.
A collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso left Mbappé with his nose bloodied late in the Group D game in Dusseldorf.
“I don’t have the elements in my hands,” France coach Didier Deschamps said after the game. “He didn’t get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer (if he will be ruled out).”
Mbappé’s obvious pain following the incident prompted Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for urgent medical assistance.
“We’re worried to see Kylian leave the field like that,” said France midfielder N’Golo Kante, who rolled the clock back with an outstanding display. “We still don’t know what the situation is. … We hope that it’s not too severe and that he’s back with us for the rest of the competition.”
Widely considered the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé is France’s talisman and his injury struck fear in the hearts of French fans. He has scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for France and will be integral to their hopes of winning the title.
“He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff. His nose got badly hit that’s for sure,” Deschamps said after his 100th win as France coach. “We need to check, but it seems quite complicated, which is really unfortunate for us tonight.”
Mbappé produced a mixed performance, including a remarkable miss, before the injury but is vital to France’s hopes of winning a record-equalling third European Championship and its first since 2000.
“I’m not going to go into hypothesise,” Deschamps added. “The French team with Kylian would always be stronger. If the news doesn’t go along these lines then we’ll have to fight without him, but Kylian is Kylian and any team with him in the squad is obviously a lot stronger.”
In a later update, the French Football Federation said a mask will be made for their captain who will not require immediate surgery but it is not known how many games he might miss.
“He has returned to the base camp of the French team,” the FFF said. “He will undergo treatment in the coming days, without undergoing surgery immediately. 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.”
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