European championship in doubt for Kylian Mbappé after nose injury in Austria match

France’s key player, Mbappé faces uncertainty in the tournament following a collision in the Group D match.

Kylian Mbappé, France's leading soccer star, suffered a significant facial injury during Monday's 1-0 victory over Austria, casting doubt on his continuation in the European Championship. 

The incident occurred late in the Group D match at Dusseldorf Arena, where Mbappé collided head-on with Austria's Kevin Danso, leaving him visibly in pain with a bloodied and swollen nose.

France coach Didier Deschamps expressed his concern post-match, stating, "He didn’t get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer (if he will be ruled out).” 

The severity of Mbappé's injury prompted Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to urgently signal for medical assistance.

Teammate N’Golo Kante voiced the team's apprehension: "We’re worried to see Kylian leave the field like that. We still don’t know what the situation is. ... We hope that it’s not too severe and that he’s back with us for the rest of the competition."

Despite the uncertainty, Mbappé later attempted to lighten the mood, joking on social media platform X, “Any ideas for masks?” indicating he might need facial protection to play further in the tournament.

Mbappé's injury could be a significant blow to France's campaign for a record-equalling third European Championship, as he is a pivotal figure in the team. 

Before the injury, he led to the only goal of the match, a mishap by Maximilian Wober who scored an own goal, marking Deschamps' 100th win as France's coach.

Despite attempting to play on after the incident, Mbappé had to be substituted following a second fall, an action that drew jeers from opposing fans and a booking from referee Jesus Gil Manzano. 

Deschamps later confirmed, "He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff. His nose got badly hit that’s for sure.”

The injury casts a shadow over what has been a mixed tournament for Mbappé, who has yet to score, continuing his goal drought from the previous Euros.

As France awaits further updates on Mbappé's condition, the team prepares for the possibility of advancing without their star. 

Deschamps summed up the sentiment: "The French team with Kylian would always be stronger. If the news doesn’t go along these lines then we’ll have to fight without him, but Kylian is Kylian and any team with him in the squad is obviously a lot stronger."