)
Mbappe could make an appearance against the Netherlands but with a mask to protect his recently broken nose
France's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, may face restrictions on wearing a protective mask due to a little-known UEFA rule.
Mbappe broke his nose during France's opening Euro 2024 match against Austria after a collision with centre-back Kevin Danso, but despite the injury, Mbappe has continued training with the French squad, wearing a protective mask in the national team's colours: red, white, and blue.
Mbappe forced to copy Oismhen
Despite Mbappe’s situation, UEFA regulations state that "medical equipment worn on the playing field must be of a single colour" and "must not allow the team or manufacturer to be identified." As a result, France's technical team has been presented with alternative masks for Mbappe, which will be reviewed during a technical meeting before their next match against the Netherlands.
)
The scenario Mbappe faces is not unprecedented. Napoli's Victor Osimhen has famously worn a protective mask since injuring his eye socket during a match against Inter in November 2021. After undergoing surgery and missing three months of action, Osimhen returned to the field with a protective mask, which he continues to wear even though doctors have declared him as fully healed.
Mbappe doubtful for Netherlands clash
France's head coach, Didier Deschamps, has expressed optimism about Mbappe's recovery and potential availability for the upcoming match against the Netherlands, saying, "Everything is going in the right direction after this major shock with the consequences.
"Yesterday he went out, he did a little activity. This will also be the case this evening. Things are moving in the right direction to ensure that he is available tomorrow.”
However, there is no guarantee that Mbappe will start the game, given the severity of the injury and the depth of talent in the French squad. Deschamps has several strong alternatives to Mbappe, including Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram, and Randal Kolo Muani, who can be effective as centre-forward options.
Related content
)
15:21 - 21.06.2024
Super Eagles star turns down Mourinho and Fenerbahce for Trabzonspor move
The star forward is reportedly keen on a move to Turkey, but not with Mourinho's Fenerbahce
)
12:02 - 21.06.2024
On this day: FIFA celebrate 30th anniversary of Super Eagles’ World Cup debut
30 years ago today, goals from Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, and Emmanuel Amunike helped the Super Eagles make a stunning World Cup debut
)
10:20 - 21.06.2024
NPFL: Enyimba's Super Eagles keeper ditches Nigeria for Sudan in shock switch
Super Eagles goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke will leave the dethroned NPFL champions Enyimba for Sudan come end of the season.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)