Poland goalkeeper set to present Kylian Mbappe with ninja turtle mask before Euro 2024 clash: Reports
A Polish company has reportedly made a new mask for France captain Kylian Mbappe for UEFA Euro 2024. The forward had broken his nose and will need a mask to feature in the rest of the campaign.
France beat Austria 1-0 in their opening game of Euro 2024 on June 17 courtesy of an own goal from Maximilian Wober in the 38th minute. Towards the end of the match, Mbappe collided against defender Kevin Danso's shoulder. It led to bleeding and after some treatment on the pitch, he was subbed off.
There were suggestions that Kylian Mbappe might need surgery but it wasn't the case. He does, however, need a mask. Soon after the clash, he was sported wearing a mask with the colors of the French national flag (red, blue, white). It goes against UEFA's guidelines though and he switched to a black mask.
The Real Madrid man didn't feature in Les Bleus' goalless draw against the Netherlands despite being on the bench. They will next take on Poland in their final Euro 2024 group game on Tuesday, June 25.
As per journalist Szymon Janczyk (via Madrid Xtra), a Polish company have made a new mask for Kylian Mbappe. Poland goalkeeper Marcin Bulka will hand over the mask to the French ace.
The mask's design and yellow and orange color resembles the one from the popular comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This is because Mbappe is often likened to a turtle, particularly, a character from the said comics.
Didier Deschamps provides Kylian Mbappe update ahead of France vs Poland Euro 2024 clash
Kylian Mbappe is likely to be back in action when France take on Poland on Tuesday in their final Euro 2024 game. Manager Didier Deschamps confirmed that the forward's nose is much better now and the swelling has reduced.
He said in a pre-match press conference (via The Guardian):
“The reason he is wearing the mask is because he needs to protect his face in case certain instances occur. It is maybe hindering but it’s something you need to get used to. It’s like when you have the 3D glasses, though now we have masks that are quite thin, as thin as possible.”
France are currently second in Group D, level on four points with leaders the Netherlands and one point above Austria. They will qualify for the Round of 16 even if they finish third in the group as one of the four best third-placed teams.