Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were left shocked by Kylian Mbappe's dramatic transformation following his broken nose.
The Frenchman sustained the injury in France’s Euro 2024 opener against Austria. He was left bloodied after colliding with defender Kevin Danso.
He was a major doubt for the second group game against the Netherlands in Leipzig. Mbappe had been training in a mask since the injury. He was duly named on the bench by boss Didier Deschamps. But Mbappe did not appear to be struggling with any after-effects of his injury.
The Real Madrid striker’s nose was dramatically straighter - even looking as though he didn’t break it in the first place. Lineker and Shearer were left surprised about the transformation.
Speaking on the BBC, Shearer said: “He’s had his nose straightened anyway,” to which Lineker replied: “It looks all right, doesn’t it? It’s not that bad. It looks pretty good for me for a broken nose!”
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Despite his recovery, Mbappe was not called upon as France battled to a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. Even if he was substituted on he may have had to rethink his eyewear.
In the aftermath of his nose injury, he was given a France-themed mask. But masks of that sort had been banned by UEFA. Regulations read: "Medical equipment (e.g.: head protection, face masks, casts, kneepads or knee braces, elbow pads): Medical equipment worn on the field of play must be a single colour and free of team and manufacturer identification.
Kylian Mbappe's nose looked a lot better against the Netherlands (Getty Images)How far will France go in Euro 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"Items worn on legs and arms should be the same colour as the corresponding playing attire item (e.g. elbow pads or tape used on the arm the same colour as shirt sleeves, and kneepads the same colour as shorts)."
France will hope to have Mbappe back for their final group game in Germany. They take on Poland in their final group game. As it stands, the 2018 world champions sit top of the group and are all-but secure of their place in the next round. They were somewhat fortunate to have earned a point against the Netherlands.
Xavi Simons thought he had given his side the lead in the second-half only to see his strike ruled out by a contentious offside decision. The VAR had decided Denzel Dumfries was offside and impeding Mike Maignan’s ability to save Simons’ shot.
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