Kylian Mbappe’s broken nose continues to be a source of concern for France as they prepare for the European Championship semi-finals. Despite the captain’s insistence that he is not overly bothered by his form, his performance in the quarter-final against Portugal was lackluster. Mbappe, who has been a crucial player for France, was visibly hampered by the injury and even requested to be substituted during extra time.
The injury, sustained in France’s opening game against Austria, has had a significant impact on Mbappe’s ability to play at his best. He has been struggling to find his usual power and verve, and the mask he wears to protect his broken nose has affected his peripheral vision and caused discomfort. This was evident in the quarter-final, where he was forced off the pitch after a painful blow to his injured nose.
While Mbappe insists the most important thing is the team’s success, his performance has raised concerns about his ability to lead France to victory against Spain in the semi-finals. Coach Didier Deschamps, although acknowledging Mbappe’s and Antoine Griezmann’s subpar form, is unlikely to drop Mbappe for the crucial match. He remains confident in the team’s collective strength and believes they can overcome the challenges.
The spotlight remains on Mbappe, whose broken nose and subsequent performance have become a major storyline for France as they strive to reach the Euro 2024 finals. Will his injury hinder his ability to perform at his best and ultimately affect France’s chances of success? The semi-final against Spain promises to be a tense encounter, with Mbappe’s health and form a key factor in determining the outcome.
