France’s Kylian Mbappe could be on the verge of returning early to action on the field despite suffering a broken nose at the ongoing Euro 2024. Now-Real Madrid striker Mbappe sustained a fractured nose in the clash against Switzerland when he collided with defender Kevin Danso in the 86th minute. While it was expected that Mbappe could miss the Netherlands clash, it is now likely that he could be on the bench (June 21) against the Dutch, provided he wears a protective mask on his nose.
However, the French captain will have to be careful to avoid breaking a UEFA rule which restricts him from wearing the tri-colour mask he had used in the training on Thursday. Mbappe, having returned to training quickly used a tri-colour mask that demonstrated France’s flag. While there are no issues for him using the tri-colour mask in the training, it can’t be used during any match of the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany.
A section of UEFA’s regulations states, “Medical equipment worn on the field of play must be a single colour and free of team and manufacturer identification.”
This implies that if the French sensation chooses to play against the Netherlands on Friday, he will have to wear a mask of just one color, most likely black. Additionally, it’s said that Mbappe won’t get nose surgery until after the 2024 European Championship.
Should Mbappe attempt to enter the field while wearing a tri-colored mask, the fourth official will not allow him to do so. The referee may give him a yellow card for breaking the code of conduct if he still enters the pitch wearing the mask. Given that he already has a yellow card on his disciplinary record, Mbappe will miss Tuesday’s final group match versus Poland should he receive a yellow card.
According to UEFA regulations, a player will be suspended for one game if he receives two bookings throughout the Euro before reaching the semifinals.
