Kylian Mbappé's Masked Return: Will He Play Against the Netherlands?
A Painful Injury and a Custom Mask
French star Kylian Mbappé suffered a significant setback during the European Championship opener against Austria, where France secured a 1-0 victory. In the final minutes of the match, Mbappé's face collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso's shoulder, resulting in a broken nose. Despite attempting to continue after a brief medical treatment, Mbappé had to be substituted as his nose bled profusely and appeared deformed. The French Football Federation (FFF) later confirmed the injury and announced that a special mask would be made to facilitate his return to play.
Training with the Team and Uncertain Participation
On Thursday, Mbappé was seen training with the French national team at the Red Bulls Arena in Leipzig, wearing a custom-made mask decorated with the French national colors and his initials 'KM'. This sight brought hope to fans and the team alike. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed optimism about Mbappé's availability for the upcoming match against the Netherlands, stating, 'It's a step in the right direction that he will be available tomorrow. We will give it our all.' Despite this, there remains uncertainty about whether Mbappé will start or even play in the match, as UEFA regulations only permit single-colored masks, contrary to Mbappé's custom design.
French sports newspaper L'Équipe has expressed doubts about Mbappé's participation, suggesting that he might not start against the Netherlands. However, the final decision will depend on his condition and the team's strategy. Mbappé's potential absence would be a significant blow to the French team, which relies heavily on his skill and leadership.
- Mbappé's injury occurred during a clash with Austrian defender Kevin Danso, leading to his early exit from the match and subsequent medical examinations.
- The French national team, including Mbappé, trained at the Red Bulls Arena in Leipzig ahead of their crucial match against the Netherlands. The first 15 minutes of the session were open to the media, but the rest was closed off.
- Coach Didier Deschamps assured that all 25 players, including those with minor issues like Olivier Giroud, Dayot Upamecano, and Théo Hernandez, were available for the upcoming match.
- Mbappé's custom mask, featuring the French national colors and his initials, may not be permitted by UEFA, which only allows single-colored masks.
