France Hopeful Mbappe Will Face Netherlands Despite Injury

France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed optimism that Kylian Mbappe will be ready to face the Netherlands in their next Euro 2024 match on Friday. The 25-year-old striker suffered a broken nose during Monday’s 1-0 win over Austria when he collided with Kevin Danso’s shoulder after an aerial challenge. Mbappe received treatment at a hospital in Dusseldorf where doctors confirmed the injury but he has since returned to the national team camp.

According to the French Football Federation (FFF), Mbappe does not require surgery, and he will wear a protective mask during the match. Deschamps confirmed Mbappe’s improved condition, stating, “I can confirm that Kylian Mbappe is feeling better and everything is progressing well for him to be available tomorrow.” He added, “It’s moving in the right direction.”

Regarding the mask, Deschamps mentioned, “He will be playing in a mask, you don’t need to know any more details about this mask.” Mbappe, who has scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for France, has not yet scored in a European Championship. He is set to join Real Madrid after the tournament concludes, following the expiration of his contract with Paris St-Germain.

BBC Sport’s Gary Rose reported from Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, noting Deschamps’ positive remarks about Mbappe’s recovery. Mbappe participated in training and appeared in good spirits, initially without the mask, interacting jovially with teammates before putting it on for practice. Despite adjusting to wearing it, there were no clear indications during the media session that he would likely miss the upcoming match against the Netherlands.