Kylian Mbappe is yet to make an appearance for France since he broke his nose against Austria in their tournament opener. The forward has been sidelined ever since and also missed an important game against the Netherlands in the process. However, fans were excited to see the No.10 in training, donning a protective face mask. Surprisingly, Mbappe opted for a tricolor mask with the colors of the French national team.
Despite Didier Deschamps and Mbappe’s teammates assuring that the player was doing everything possible to be fit in time for the game against the Dutch, he did not make the matchday squad. If the player is to make an appearance for Lea Bleus in their final group stage game, he will not be allowed to wear the same mask.
UEFA rules state that any medical equipment worn during a game must be of a single color. The team or manufacturer should also not be identifiable from the same.
Kylian Mbappé with the black mask pic.twitter.com/7XLCsVJ861
— MBAPPE ERA (@mbappe_era10) June 21, 2024
Earlier, Mbappe had joked about his broken nose, asking for suggestions for a mask. The player will be eager to be fit for the game against Poland, as he is yet to score a goal at the Euros.
Poland may have become the first team to be eliminated from the 2024 Euros. However, their final group stage fixture against France may be their biggest challenge yet, as Kylian Mbappe returns to fitness. After missing out the game against the Netherlands, Mbappe participated in a practice match with his new mask.
As per reports, the 25-year-old played a whole game of football against German U-21 side Paderborn. Playing alongside the unused substitutes in the French National team, Mbappe scored twice while also setting up another two for his teammates. What caught the attention of many was the fact that Mbappe wore a new all-black mask with his name on the side.
| BREAKING: Kylian Mbappé played in a behind-closed-doors friendly match today with his mask on. He played 60 minutes and registered 2 goals & 2 assists.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 22, 2024
[@LaurensJulien] pic.twitter.com/RQF0kj53Az
Even though Mbappe’s absence and France’s subsequent ‘mediocre’ display raised questions about Didier Deschamps’ tactics, the boss assured that he is calm about the situation. Certain fans claimed that Mbappe was the difference between Deschamps and England manager Gareth Southgate. Surprisingly, no French player has scored a goal at the 2024 Euros.
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