France star Kylian Mbappe returned to the pitch to coach France on Wednesday after breaking his nose in their 1-0 Euro 2024 win over Austria in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Real Madrid’s new signing was seriously injured in a collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso and was replaced by Olivier Giroud.
After the match, 25-year-old Danso said he hoped Mbappe was “well” and apologized for his injury.
Although Mbappe is back in training, the team fears they will face the Netherlands in Leipzig on Friday without their captain.
However, France coach Didier Deschamps may have to rely on the rest of his squad to seal a place in the last 16, meaning Mbappe could feature in the final Group D game against Poland.
He will have an impact, but we have a special team,” said French midfielder Adrien Rabiot on Wednesday.
“I’m not going to complain because of the guys on the bench. We have enough options to replace Kylian. I have full confidence in the guys on the bench and our quality.”
According to AFP, the French Football Federation said Mbappe will not need surgery but will have to wear a mask before returning.
Mbappé is France’s all-time top scorer with 47 goals out of 80.
