Kylian Mbappe will be sporting a mask as he returns to the field at Euro 2024 after fracturing his nose in France’s first game of the tournament. The 25-year-old captain of France suffered the injury during a collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso, which resulted in blood on his face and jersey. While Mbappe did not undergo surgery for the fracture, medical assessments have determined that he must wear protective equipment to ensure his safe return to play.
During a training session on Thursday, Mbappe was seen wearing a mask adorned with the French national colors of red, white, and blue, as well as the French Football Federation (FFF) logo. The mask is in compliance with UEFA’s regulations on medical equipment worn during matches, which stipulate that such items must be a single color and free of team and manufacturer identification.
UEFA requires that teams confirm their lineups at least an hour before each game, so it remains to be seen whether Mbappe will be included in the squad for France’s upcoming match against Netherlands. However, there are positive signs that he may be available for selection, as indicated by comments from France’s manager, Didier Deschamps, and Mbappe’s own social media post alluding to his potential involvement in the game.
In preparation for his return, Mbappe has multiple masks of a single color ready, all of which comply with UEFA’s guidelines. The French Football Federation was aware of the regulations that needed to be followed when procuring these masks, ensuring that Mbappe is equipped with suitable protective gear for his comeback.
If Mbappe does take the field against Netherlands, it will mark a significant step in his recovery from the injury sustained earlier in the tournament. The outcome of the match could also have implications for France’s progression to the next phase of Euro 2024, with a win potentially securing their spot in the next round. As fans eagerly await Mbappe’s potential return, the football world will be watching closely to see how he performs with his protective mask in place.