Kylian Mbappe injury: Netherlands decision made as France boss confirms surgery
Kylian Mbappe will MISS France’s match with Netherlands on Friday… and may not be seen until the knockout stages begin.
The France captain left Les Bleus’ Euro 2024 opener a bloody mess on Monday night and was rushed to hospital in Dusseldorf, but did not need to undergo immediate surgery after medical tests revealed a bone fracture.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo revealed: “They tried to reduce the aftermath of his fracture, for him to be able to stay in the tournament. All in all, I’d say the information was pretty positive.”
That allayed fears that the soon-to-be Real Madrid superstar’s tournament could be over, something that had looked a distinct possibility as head coach Didier Deschamps cut a forlorn figure in his post-match press conference. And as he left hospital just after 1am local time Mbappe took to social media asking “any ideas for masks”.
When he returned to France’s base camp early on Tuesday morning, Mbappe made clear that he was desperate to return as soon as possible.
But after undergoing more medical tests and holding discussions with team doctor Dr. Franck Le Gall and Deschamps, in which it was decided that the surgery he will need would be delayed until after the tournament, Mbappe has agreed to sit out the meeting with Ronald Koeman’s side in Leipzig.
“The medical staff did everything necessary,” admitted Deschamps. “He will have to do it [surgery] after the tournament.
Mbappe undergoes treatment on the field against Austria
He is now due to have his own personal protective mask built and fitted, to allow him to return to light training, to keep him as comfortable as possible and, most importantly, to protect the injured area when he returns.
That is likely to depend on both what happens with the swelling around his nose and under his eyes, and Friday’s result against the Oranje, who kicked off their tournament with a 2-1 win over Poland.
If France take victory and effectively ensure top spot in the group, Mbappe is unlikely to be risked in the final group game.
Deschamps, a pragmatist by nature, wants to take no chances with his star man, and ensure that when the KO stages roll around, he’s ready, willing and able.
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