Didier Deschamps admitted that Kylian Mbappe could be ruled out for the rest of Euro 2024 after the France star was sent to hospital to see if he needed surgery on a broken nose.
But within 90 minutes, the France boss was thanking his lucky stars that his captain, his leader, could even be fit to face Holland on Friday if required.
France opened their tournament with a 1-0 win in Dusseldorf but the three points were tarnished by a nasty-looking injury to Mbappe. He sustained a blow to his nose after colliding with the shoulder of Kevin Danso while attempting a header late in the second half.
The French captain had blood pouring from his nose onto his white shirt and, after receiving treatment, had to be escorted to the sidelines, where he was eventually replaced by Olivier Giroud. Mbappe was assessed by the French medical staff, who determined that he needed to go straight to University Hospital in Dusseldorf to see whether he needed surgery.
And, speaking in his post-match press conference, Deschamps gave a gloomy outlook. “He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff,” the France manager told reporters. “His nose got badly hit, that’s for sure. We need to check it out, but it seems quite complicated. Which is very unfortunate for us tonight.”
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Asked when he might return, he added: “I don’t have the elements in my hands, the medical staff is checking him out. He didn’t get off lightly. It’s still to be seen. And at this stage, I can’t answer. I don’t know. That's the black mark from this evening."
Star midfielder N'Golo Kante added: “We’re worried to see Kylian leave the field like that. It’s worrying. But we hope it’s not too severe and that he’s soon back with us.”
Mbappe's family were spotted being driven in a private car out of the stadium to be with him in hospital, shortly before the French team departed back to their base in Germany. Former France team doctor Fabrice Bryand told L’Équipe du Soir that he expected Mbappe to be out for at least 10 days, but added that “it could stop his participation in the Euros.”
However, around 1am local time, Mbappe was released, having not needed surgery. He promptly tweeted: “Any ideas for masks”.
A statement from the French Football Federation soon followed, declaring: “Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Düsseldorf.
"The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.
“Mbappe 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."
It was Mbappe who set up the game’s only goal, having put in the cross which Max Wober headed past his own goalkeeper in the first half. He should have scored himself in the second half, but surprisingly put his effort wide when clean through on goal.
France face the Netherlands next on Friday in Leipzig before concluding their group stage campaign against Poland in Dortmund on Tuesday.
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