Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask for France against Netherlands at Euro 2024?
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The leader of France's soccer team, Kylian Mbappe, will be wearing a mask for the remainder of Euro 2024 as he sustained a broken nose during their first match against Austria.
The famous forward got injured and ended up bleeding after his face hit the shoulder of Austria defender Kevin Danso. He had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
After more tests, it was determined that Mbappe did not need surgery right away. He was back to training just two days later with a special cover in the French flag colors, easing worries that he would miss the tournament.
The young man, who is 25 years old, shared a message on his Instagram account saying that taking risks is necessary in order to achieve success. This strongly suggested that he was ready to get back on the field despite his broken nose.
Mbappe was listed as a substitute by France's head coach Didier Deschamps for the match against the Netherlands in Leipzig, and he shared a photo of the black protective mask he will wear if he enters the game.
France immediately started making a plan for a replacement mask when they realized how serious Mbappe's injury was. He was the top goal scorer in the 2022 World Cup and is key to their chances of winning the Euros.
The mask, which was colored in blue, white, and red to represent the French flag, was not allowed because of Uefa regulations saying that any medical gear worn during a game must be one solid color and cannot show the team or brand.
Mbappe fractured his nose after a collision with Austria defender Danso, causing blood to flow from his heavily swollen nose and stain his white France jersey red.
The injury stole the spotlight from France's first victory over Austria in Dusseldorf. Mbappe, who received a yellow card for coming back onto the field after treatment, was taken to the hospital right after the game ended.
The fresh addition to Real Madrid's attacking line-up cracked a joke about his injury on social networking sites, requesting suggestions from his fans on what kind of masks he should wear.
As per the information from France, Mbappe was given several different masks to choose from, including some that were plain and followed Uefa's rules. RMC Sport stated that France will review the regulations in a technical meeting with Uefa prior to the Netherlands game.
Mbappe was eager to play in the match against the Netherlands in Leipzig, as head coach Didier Deschamps said that "progress is being made" when asked about the 25-year-old's chances of playing the day before the game.
"Things are progressing positively after the significant setback," Deschamps remarked. "Yesterday, he went out and engaged in some physical activity. He will do the same tonight as well. Progress is being made to make sure he will be ready and able to participate tomorrow."
"A broken nose is not a big deal," said midfielder Adrien Rabiot on Wednesday. "Kylian should be back with the team shortly."
