France captain Kylian Mbappe is set to wear a mask if he features against Netherlands – but why?
- Mbappe breaks nose
- Rushed to hospital
- Set to wear mask vs Netherlands
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 25-year-old superstar, who will join Real Madrid this summer, suffered a broken nose during France’s first game of Euro 2024 against Austria on Monday. Mbappe went up to head the ball but collided with Kevin Danso before being substituted in the 90th minute by Didier Deschamps. He was then rushed to hospital after suffering the injury, with initial fears emerging as to whether or not he could carry on in the tournament.
WHY IS KYLIAN MBAPPE WEARING A FACE MASK?
Face masks are often worn in football, as well as other sports such as basketball when a player has suffered a facial injury such as a broken nose, cheekbone or eye socket. The mask is worn to protect the injury and aims to prevent it from getting worse, while also allowing the player to continue participating.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT KYLIAN MBAPPE’S FACE MASK?
France boss Deschamps has provided an update on Mbappe’s situation ahead of the clash against Netherlands on Friday evening. “Everything is going well, after the shock we had,” he said.
“Everything is evolving in the right direction. We’ll do all we can to ensure that he’ll be available. Kylian will be wearing a mask,”
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WHAT NEXT?
Whether Mbappe features off the bench or in the starting line-up remains to be seen. However, whatever his role, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward will be donning the new mask – but it won’t be the red, white and blue one he was pictured wearing in training. UEFA rules prohibit multi-coloured medical equipment.
