- Mbappe showed off his new protective face mask for the first time in training
- The French superstar suffered a broken nose in France’s opener at Euro 2024
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. New episodes released every day during the Euros
Kylian Mbappe has shown off his new protective mask for the first time with the France superstar to wear the face accessory in training and games after suffering a broken nose in France’s opening game at Euro 2024.
The 25-year-old unveiled the French-themed face mask during a training session on Thursday ahead of France’s next group stage game with the Netherlands on Friday.
Mbappe was forced off with the brutal injury during the latter stages of Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Austria in their opening group game of the tournament on Monday night.
It came after a nasty collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, leading to genuine fears from medics that Mbappe’s participation in Germany was in doubt.
The French Football Federation (FFF) later revealed that Mbappe did not require surgery and had the mask made for him to ensure he could play, but it is not yet clear when the 25-year-old will be able to return to action.
France boss Didier Deschamps revealed that things were looking positive for Mbappe but his fitness would be judged closer to kick-off.
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‘I can confirm that Kylian Mbappe is feeling better and all is evolving well to see him available for tomorrow,’ Deschamps said on Thursday.
‘It’s moving in the right direction.’
Former France team doctor Fabrice Bryand told previously told L’Equipe that Mbappe would be sidelined for 10 days at a minimum – ruling him out of the rest of the group stages.
Deschamps had previously been downbeat about Mbappe’s prospects of featuring in the rest of the group stage.
‘I don’t have the elements in my hands. He didn’t get off lightly,’ Deschamps said post-match after the 1-0 win over Austria.
‘It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer. He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff.
‘His nose got badly hit that’s for sure. We need to check, but it seems quite complicated, which is really unfortunate for us tonight.’
Pictures of Mbappe in training will only boost hopes that Real Madrid’s newest signing could feature in some capacity, but it is yet to be confirmed whether he will feature or not.
France are next in action on Friday when they face the Netherlands in Leipzig, before they take on Poland on Tuesday, with Didier Deschamps’ side aiming to win the European Championship for the first time since 2000.