Adrien Rabiot opens up on what Kylian Mbappe told him about playing again at Euro 2024 after broken nose during France vs Austria
Adrien Rabiot has revealed that Kylian Mbappe assured him he'll be fine after suffering a broken nose in France's 1-0 Euro 2024 win against Austria (June 17). The midfielder started alongside the 25-year-old attacker in his team's first game of the European Championships.
Although Les Bleus weren't at their best, they managed to get the job done. The decisive moment came from Mbappe's cross, which went into the net off Austria man Maximillian Wober (38').
However, the night didn't end well for Real Madrid's blockbuster signing after he went into a challenge involving Kevin Danso. After managing to head the ball, Mbappe smashed into the latter's shoulder on his follow-through. He received treatment before being substituted by experienced forward Olivier Giroud in the 90th minute.
However, Rabiot has claimed that Mbappe will be fine before his country's third game of the tournament. He said (via @MadridXtra):
"Kylian Mbappe is fine. He said that maybe he'll be ready for the 3rd match."
Together, Rabiot and Mbappe have shared the pitch on 87 occasions across competitions for France and Paris Saint-Germain, bagging two joint goal contributions.
Up next for Didier Deschamps and his team is an important Euro 2024 group game against the Netherlands on Friday (June 21). As per Rabiot's comments, Mbappe will be missing for this encounter.
However, he is expected to be back in time for the country's final group game of the tournament against Poland next Tuesday (June 25).
France national team coach Didier Deschamps provides update on Kylian Mbappe after first Euro 2024 game
France manager Didier Deschamps is unsure as to whether Kylian Mbappe will be fit for his team's upcoming Euro 2024 group match against the Netherlands on Friday.
If the winger is absent, Olivier Giroud may be asked to play down the middle. This would be a huge blow for the French, given Mbappe has netted 44 goals across competitions for Paris Saint-Germain this season.
Speaking after the match, Deschamps said (via BBC Sport):
"He's not doing well. His nose got badly hit. We need to check it out but it seems quite complicated, which is really unfortunate for us."
"The medical staff are checking him out. I saw him on the massage table. He didn't get off lightly. It's still to be seen and I cannot at this stage give you a precise answer."
To date, Mbappe has made 79 appearances across competitions for his country, bagging 47 goals. Should Giroud play down the middle in Les Bleus' next Euro 2024 match, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram are likely to play on either side of him.