Euro 2024

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 17, 2024 at 8pm UK

Merkur Spiel-Arena

Austria
0 - 1
France

Wober (16'), Mwene (33'), Baumgartner (80'), Laimer (84'), Danso (90+3')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Wober (38' og.)
Dembele (56'), Mbappe (90')

French FA 'make decision' over Kylian Mbappe amid broken nose in Euro 2024 opener

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 June 2024

French FA 'make decision' over Mbappe amid broken nose in Euro 2024 opener

The French Football Association confirm they have made a decision over how to handle the broken nose suffered by star man Kylian Mbappe against Austria.

The French Football Association has decided how to handle the broken nose that was suffered by Kylian Mbappe on Monday night.

On the back of completing his transfer to Real Madrid, the forward went into France's Euro 2024 opener with Austria looking to make a statement.

Although Mbappe did not get on the scoresheet, the 25-year-old was part of a Les Bleus side that were able to commence their campaign with a 1-0 victory.

However, the major negative from the fixture in Dusseldorf was Mbappe suffering a broken nose having hit his face against the shoulder of Kevin Danso in an aerial challenge.

In the immediate aftermath of the duel, the damage to Mbappe's nose was clear to see, the departing Paris Saint-Germain man covered in blood as he was attended to by the France medical staff.

Head coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged after the contest that his star man was "not doing well", admitting that the issue seemed "quite complicated".

France coach Didier Deschamps reacts on March 23, 2024 © Reuters

What have the French FA had to say?

With France's next fixture coming against group rivals Netherlands on Friday, there is naturally doubt as to whether Mbappe will be considered for selection.

Although the French FA have moved to confirm that Mbappe will remain as part of the squad, it appears there is uncertainty over when the attacker will be able to return to the pitch.

A statement read: "Kylian Mbappe returns to the base camp of the French national team. Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Dusseldorf.

"The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.

"Mbappe will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future.

"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."

France's Kylian Mbappe reacts after he misses a chance to score on June 9, 2024 © Reuters

How may France react?

Olivier Giroud - France's record goalscorer - was introduced as Mbappe's replacement in the closing stages, but the veteran may not necessarily be used as a direct alternative.

Deschamps also has Randal Kolo Muani at his disposal, and a decision will seemingly have to be made over who is best suited to facing Netherlands.

The concluding Group D encounter against Poland is scheduled to be played on June 25, with Mbappe only potentially coming back into contention for that if France require a result.

If France can finish in the top two of Group D, their last-16 fixture will not take place until the start of July, which would be the ideal scenario for Mbappe.