France coach Didier Deschamps says captain Kylian Mbappe is “not well” after breaking his nose in Monday’s 1-0 win over Austria.
Although Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, told reporters in Duesseldorf that Mbappe “does not require an operation”, the extent of his injury is still unknown.
Afternoon in France Euro 2024 opening game in Dusseldorf, Mbappe headed the ball and his face hit Kevin Danso’s shoulder afterwards.
The 25-year-old forward received treatment on the field, with a lot of blood on his face, and then left the field with France wanting to replace him with Olivier Giroud.
When the game resumed without allowing France to change, Mbappe entered the field without authorization and sat down – receiving a yellow card.
He was then replaced by Giroud.
“He is not well,” said coach Didier Deschamps in the post-match press conference.
“His nose was seriously hit. We need to check, but it seems quite complicated, which is really very unfortunate for us.
“The medical team is examining him. I saw him on the massage table. He did not come out easily. It remains to be seen and I cannot, at this time, give a precise answer.”
Mbappe, who scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for France, will be an integral part of their hopes of winning a third European title.
He was involved in France’s only goal when his cross was headed into his own net by Max Wober.
Mbappe, who is yet to score a Euro goal to add to his 12 World Cup goals, will join Real Madrid from Paris St-Germain this summer.
Deschamps was asked if he might miss the next game against the Netherlands on Friday.
“I’m not going to go into hypotheses, but the French team with Kylian will always be stronger with him,” he said.
“If the news doesn’t go that way, we’ll have to fight without him.”
