Mbappe: Deschamps provides concerning update on nose injury

France boss Didier Deschamps has delivered a troubling update on captain Kylian Mbappe, who sustained a broken nose during France’s 1-0 victory over Austria in their Euro 2024 opener.

The incident occurred late in the match in Düsseldorf, when Mbappe collided with Austria’s Kevin Danso, resulting in a significant injury.

Mbappe, 25, was visibly in pain and had to be treated on the pitch as blood poured from his face.Despite attempts to substitute him with Olivier Giroud, the game resumed before the change could be made, leading to the forward briefly re-entering the field without permission and subsequently receiving a yellow card. He was then substituted.

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, confirmed that Mbappe does not require surgery, but the full extent of the injury remains uncertain.

Deschamps expressed his concern in the post-match press conference, stating, “He’s not doing well. His nose got badly hit. We need to check it out, but it seems quite complicated, which is really very unfortunate for us.”

🚨🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé has just left the hospital after it was confirmed that he broke his nose.

Mbappé will not undergo surgery despite initial indications, waiting to decide how to manage him for upcoming two games. pic.twitter.com/Fhbhft1OAO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2024

The medical team is still assessing Mbappe’s condition, and Deschamps could not provide a definitive prognosis. “I saw him on the massage table. He didn’t get off lightly. It’s still to be seen, and I cannot at this stage give you a precise answer,” he added.

The former PSG forward, who has scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for France, played a crucial role in France’s only goal of the match, with his cross leading to an own goal by Austria’s Max Wober.

Euro 2024: France make winning start against Austria
Deschamps to plan without Mbappe
France faces a tough challenge against the Netherlands, and the uncertainty surrounding Mbappe’s injury adds to the pressure.

Deschamps was non-committal about Mbappe’s availability for France’s next game against the Netherlands on Friday, saying, “I’m not going to go into hypothesis, but the French team with Kylian will always be stronger with him. If the news doesn’t go along these lines, then we will have to fight without him.”