French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé made a public appearance on Wednesday as he returned to light training with a bandage covering his broken nose. This marked his first appearance since sustaining a bloody injury during the European Championship.
Following a cryptic post on social media hinting at his mindset, Mbappé shared the message, “Without risks, there are no victories,” on Instagram. The Real Madrid-bound player underwent further tests on his nose injury, which occurred during France's 1-0 victory over Austria.
Mbappé joined his teammates for a practice session at the Home Deluxe Arena in Paderborn, where he was seen running with the ball, engaging with the coach, and participating in a shooting drill. However, his availability for France's upcoming match against the Netherlands on Friday remains uncertain.
Teammates Adrien Rabiot and William Saliba provided positive updates on Mbappé's condition, with Rabiot stating that a fractured nose is not a major setback and expressing optimism about Mbappé's swift return.
Mbappé suffered the injury when colliding with an Austria defender, resulting in a visibly swollen and bleeding nose. If he continues to play in the tournament, he will need to wear a protective face mask.
Despite the injury, there is optimism that Mbappé will play a role in the later stages of Euro 2024, especially with France likely to progress to the knockout stage. The team's next match is scheduled for after June 30, giving Mbappé additional time to recover.
Rabiot acknowledged the importance of Mbappé to the team and highlighted the potential impact of his absence. However, he expressed confidence in the team's depth and ability to cope without their captain.
In Mbappé's potential absence, Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani are considered as replacement options. Mbappé's versatility on the field, as seen in his performance against Austria, poses a challenge for his potential stand-ins.
As Mbappé continues his recovery and the French team prepares for their upcoming matches, the focus remains on his availability and the team's ability to adapt in his absence.
For more Euro 2024 updates, visit AP Euro 2024.
