Kylian Mbappe could be sidelined until the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose during France’s tournament opener against Austria, according to reports in France.
The captain of Didier Deschamps side collided with Kevin Danso vying for the ball at a France corner on Monday evening, and was forced off the field with blood streaming from his nose and covering his shirt.
The France Football Federation confirmed in the early hours of Tuesday morning that although Mbappe did not require an operation, he will require treatment ‘for the next few days.’
French news outlet RTL however suggested on Tuesday that the Real Madrid star could be out of contention for at least a fortnight.
An internal source within the French camp is believed to have discussed a potential 15-day absence with the outlet, which would rule the 25-year-old out of a possible Round of 16 clash which would fall on between June 30 and July 2.
Kylian Mbappe could be sidelined until the quarter-finals should France reach them at Euros
The 25-year-old was helped off the pitch with blood streaming from his nose onto his shirt
Didier Deschamps confirmed at full-time that the injury was a serious one for the skipper
France made a strong start to their campaign as they snuck past a gritty Austria side to claim the 1-0 win despite losing their brightest star late on.
If they did progress without Mbappe, the player could possibly return in time for Les Bleus’ semi-final – which could be against England should top their Group C, and France top theirs.
A positive evening for France fans soured just before full-time, when Mbappe received a yellow card after attempting to halt play for Deschamps to substitute him off.
After the final whistle, the manager – who celebrated his 100th win in charge of the national team in Dusseldorf – was quick to confirm the severity of the clash.
‘I saw him lying on the massage table. It’s not a scratch,’ Deschamps said.
‘The French team will always be stronger with Kylian. But if the news doesn’t go in that direction, we will fight without him.’
Mbappe was then swiftly taken to a hospital in the German city to receive quick treatment.
FFF confirmed that he was seen to by Dr Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed the player with a ‘nose fracture’.
The France captain collided with Kevin Danso in the build-up to France’s corner on Monday
The 25-year-old later picked up a yellow card as he tried to bring play to a halt to bring on France’s substitutions
The Real Madrid star poked fun at his calamitous injury after the final whistle on Monday night
‘A mask will be made for him so that the No 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition,’ the statement added.
A sentient Mbappe poked fun at the possibility before the statement was released when he took to social media and asked his followers: ‘Any ideas for masks?’
Although he didn’t score, Mbappe played a key part in France’s winner against Austria with Maximilian Wober scoring an own goal following his cross.
After their clash against the Netherlands on Friday, Les Bleus then take on Poland in their final Group D game on June 25 as they look to win the European Championship for the first time since 2000.