EURO 2024: Will mask-wearing Kylian Mbappe scoop Golden Boot?

EURO 2024: Will mask-wearing Kylian Mbappe scoop Golden Boot?

Eric Munene 08:08 - 20.06.2024

Kylian Mbappe will wear a mask at Euro 2024 due to an injury which could potentially affect his quest for the Golden Boot.

France's Euro 2024 hopes are buoyed as Kylian Mbappe, who despite suffering a brutal broken nose, will not need surgery and will return to the pitch wearing a protective mask.

The injury occurred during France's 1-0 victory over Austria in their opening group game on Monday night.

Mbappe, the star forward and captain of Les Bleus, sustained the injury late in the match following a nasty collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso.

The impact left Mbappe with a fractured nose, prompting immediate concerns about his availability for the rest of the tournament. Medical professionals initially feared that the injury might end his campaign early.

However, according to L'Equipe after undergoing a series of tests and evaluations at a hospital in Dusseldorf, it was determined that an operation was unnecessary.

The French outlet confirmed in the early hours of Tuesday that Mbappe would avoid surgery. Subsequently, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that although Mbappe had indeed suffered a broken nose, he could potentially return to play with a custom-made protective mask.

Mbappe played a crucial role in France's win over Austria, even though he did not score. His efforts led to the decisive goal, which came from an own goal by Austrian defender Maximilian Wober following his cross.

This contribution underlines Mbappe's importance to the French squad, making the news of his non-surgical treatment a significant relief for the team and their supporters.

Didier Deschamps, the French coach, expressed his concerns post-match, acknowledging that Mbappe's injury was severe.

However, the latest developments have been encouraging, and there is hope that Mbappe might be fit to face the Netherlands on Friday. The final decision on his participation will be made after monitoring his recovery over the next few days.

Mbappe himself seemed in good spirits despite the injury, joking on social media about needing ideas for a protective mask.

France's next game against the Netherlands will be a crucial test, and having their captain back, even with a mask, would be a substantial boost as they aim to secure their place in the knockout stages and ultimately reclaim the European Championship title they last won in 2000.

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