KYLIAN MBAPPE was rushed to hospital after he suffered an apparent broken nose in France’s Euro 2024 opener. The new Real Madrid superstar, 25, was left covered in blood late on as the French beat Austria 1-0.
Mbappe suffered the blow when mistiming a header and smacking his head against Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder.
And that now means that he will have to wear a protective mask for the remainder of the tournament in Germany.
Straight after the game cameras saw him climbing into an ambulance to go to hospital to get his injury checked.
Following the tests, a press release from the French Football Federation (FFF) gave a positive update.
It read: “Kylian Mbappé returns to the base camp of the French national team.
“Kylian Mbappé suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Dusseldorf.
“The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.
“Mbappé will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future.
“A mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition after a period dedicated to treatment”.
And the striker appeared to be in good spirits after undergoing tests, as he made light of the situation.
post from Mbappe on X read: “Any ideas for masks?”
The injury started what ended up being a bizarre five-minute period that followed for the striker, who found himself booked.
After receiving medical treatment on the pitch for his busted nose, he was then forced to take to the sidelines before he could be reintroduced by the referee.
But the forward took matters into his own hands and, instead of patiently waiting to be introduced, he made his way back onto the pitch without permission from the officials.
And after doing so, he immediately flopped to the floor and sat down on the turf.
Roy Keane was among those left unimpressed by Mbappe’s decision.
Speaking on ITV, the Man Utd legend said: “I know players can make mistakes but to go back on and sit on the pitch.
“He deserved that yellow card… I don’t like to see it.”
And Gary Neville commented: “To look back, I think he’ll be disappointed.
“I think he’s looked at [France manager Didier] Deschamps and Deschamps has gone ‘get on!’.
“I think he’ll feel like he’s let himself down.”
But fans did feel some sympathy for Mbappe’s nasty injury.
The bizarre situation appeared to be a time-wasting tactic with France holding on to a narrow 1-0 lead against the Austrians.
Deschamps himself was also shown a yellow card by the referee.
Mbappe was finally substituted due to his injury in the 90th minute with Olivier Giroud replacing the attacker.
Prior to his exit, Mbappe had looked electric on the ball, but had one moment to forget.
The former PSG man was clean through on goal when he uncharacteristically struck a golden
opportunity wide.
But fortunately it didn’t impact the result as France were able to get their Euros off to a winning start.
Speaking after the win, Deschamps said of the injury: “Yes, Kylian Mbappe has probably broken his nose.
“His nose is not good at all. So we will see.
“It’s obviously a negative point of the evening, even if it’s just his nose it is annoying for us.”
