France coach Didier Deschamps spoke about the main problem Kylian Mbappe is having with his protective face mask ahead of facing Poland at Euro 2024.
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Mbappe hoping for France comebackMissed previous game with broken noseMask doesn't make it easy to seeWHAT HAPPENED?
Addressing the media at a press conference before France face Poland in their final Group D match, Deschamps admitted that Mbappe is struggling to see when wearing the mask he needs to protect his face after breaking his nose last week. Breathing is not a problem, however, and the new Real Madrid player is keen to play against Poland after missing out against the Netherlands.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe collided with Austria defender Kevin Danso late in France's Euro 2024 opener. It was a sickening contact as the forward's face struck the firmness of Danso's shoulder, knocking Mbappe's nose completely out of shape. Mbappe went on to miss France's clash with Netherlands but has since played in a behind-closed-doors friendly wearing a protective mask.
WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID
"Breathing, no. But vision, yes. It limits vision a little. It's supposed to protect so in certain situations, it limits the angle of view," Deschamps explained.
"A greater risk of playing in the middle? No, the contacts are everywhere, in all the duels. It all depends on the position. You have to get used to it, it feels like you have 3D glasses.
"It's better every day. He was in our training sessions. The bruise has gone down a lot. He's getting used to the mask. He wants to play, he's raring to go. He wanted to play against the Netherlands and he wants to play [against Poland]."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE & MBAPPE?
Even before taking to the pitch against Poland on June 25, France should already be assured of a knockout place thanks to the four points they have taken from their first two games. But victory against the already-eliminated Poles is important because first place in the group and seeded status in the last 16 are at stake. Mbappe's brief absence is set to be over and he will continue the search for his first ever European Championship goal.