France’s captain, Kylian Mbappe, might make a surprise start in their second group game against the Netherlands on Friday, June 21, after breaking his nose in their opening Euro 2024 match against Austria.

During Wednesday’s training session, Mbappe was spotted wearing a protective bandage and initially trained separately from the team. However, in a video circulating on social media, Mbappe, with his nose bandaged, appeared healthy as he jogged and casually kicked the ball.

The 25-year-old, who completed a dream transfer to Real Madrid just before the Euros, was substituted against Austria after an aerial collision with defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder on Monday, June 17. His injury was confirmed at a hospital in Dusseldorf before Mbappe rejoined his teammates in camp.

Earlier reports suggested that Mbappe might miss Les Bleus’ upcoming Group D match against the Netherlands on Friday, June 22. Despite being seen training with a bandaged nose, it’s uncertain whether the new Real Madrid signing will start or substitute in the game against the Oranje.

Meanwhile, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that Mbappe would receive a protective mask to prevent his condition from deteriorating.

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