Mbappe to play with mask after breaking nose, could miss Netherlands clash

France captain Kylian Mbappe, aged 25, sustained a fractured nose towards the end of his team's 1-0 triumph over Austria in the Euro 2024 match on Monday, as confirmed by the French Football Federation post-game.

During a header challenge, the prominent forward collided with the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso, resulting in the injury. Subsequently, he was substituted and transported to a hospital in an ambulance for X-ray examinations.

"The Austria v France match on Monday in Duesseldorf witnessed Kylian Mbappe suffering a broken nose during the second half," stated the federation.

"The French team's captain received immediate medical attention from the team's medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed the fractured nose. The diagnosis was further confirmed through radiological tests conducted at the Duesseldorf hospital.

"Kylian Mbappe has returned to the French team's base camp and will undergo treatment in the upcoming days, without requiring immediate surgery."

With a crucial match against the Netherlands scheduled for Friday, Mbappe's availability for the game is now uncertain, posing a significant setback for France.

"To facilitate his return to competition after a treatment period, a protective mask will be created for the French team's number 10," stated the FFF.