French football star Kylian Mbappé has been spared surgery for his broken nose, according to France Football Federation president Philippe Diallo in an interview with ESPN’s Julien Laurens. However, his availability for France’s upcoming match against the Netherlands on Friday remains uncertain.
Mbappé sustained the injury during France’s 1-0 victory over Austria at the Euros on Monday, resulting from a collision while attempting a header. Initially thought to require surgery, Fabrizio Romano reported that Mbappé will not undergo any procedures at this time, though his participation in future games has yet to be determined.
“He’s got a really bad nose,” remarked manager Didier Deschamps post-match. “We’ll have to wait and see; the medical staff are dealing with it. We’ll have to see what’s going to be done and then how long it will take. It’s very bad news for us tonight.”
Mbappé, who attempted to continue playing after the injury, received a yellow card and was substituted for Olivier Giroud in a dramatic sequence during the match’s closing stages.
The uncertainty surrounding Mbappé’s condition is particularly concerning for France, a top contender at this year’s Euros. His potential absence could significantly impact the team’s chances of winning its first Euros title since 2000, as he serves as both captain and key playmaker.
France faces challenging matches ahead, including clashes against the Netherlands and Poland in a competitive Group D. Securing a favorable outcome against the Dutch could determine their path in the knockout phase, underscoring the importance of Mbappé’s recovery.
Should Mbappé return to action, it’s likely he will wear a protective mask due to his injury. However, his situation is further complicated by being on a yellow card, which persists until the quarterfinals. Another caution before then would result in him missing a crucial match.
Despite these concerns, both Mbappé and France will be hopeful for a swift recovery, aiming to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of Euro glory.
