Kylian Mbappe, a key player for the French national team who suffered a nose injury in the first match of the UEFA European Football Championship (Euro), is recovering quickly and has hinted at playing in the final group match.
France will play its last group match against Poland at the BVB Stadium in Dortmund, Germany, at 12 PM (EST) on June 25. Currently in second place in their group with one win and one draw (4 points), France has not yet secured a spot in the round of 16. The return of their main striker, Mbappe, is crucial for the team.
Mbappe suffered a fractured nose injury during a collision with an opposing player in the first match against Austria. Instead of undergoing surgery, Mbappe chose to wear a facial protection mask for the remaining games. He sat out the second game against the Netherlands, but his recovery is progressing quickly. He is expected to play against Poland.
The French coach, Didier Deschamps, hinted at Mbappe’s possible participation by saying, “Mbappe is getting better each day. Now there’s no bruise on his face, and he’s gotten used to the mask.” Deschamps added, “More than anything, Mbappe is eager to play. It was tough for him to watch the Netherlands game from the bench.”
Meanwhile, on June 23, Mbappe scored two goals and assisted twice in a closed practice match against the German Paderborn U21 team, even while wearing a mask.