France manager Didier Deschamps has said Kylian Mbappe will “have to get used to” playing with a mask, suggesting the Real Madrid forward may have to do so “for a couple more weeks, or maybe months”.
Mbappé broke his nose in France's opening Euro 2024 match against Austria on June 17. He missed their next group game, with the Netherlands, but played subsequent matches against Poland, Belgium and Portugal wearing a protective face mask.
The France captain has described playing with a mask on as “horrible” and “really annoying”, saying it “limits your vision” and “blocks sweat”.
Real Madrid's first competitive game of the season will be the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14 (after their three-match pre-season tour of the United States) before they begin their 2024-25 LaLiga campaign four days later.
“We wanted him to rest as much as possible,” Deschamps said, when asked about Mbappe's condition on Monday ahead of France's Euro 2024 semi-final with Spain.
“We would have loved to have had one more day of rest. We have done everything possible to ensure that he could do so and I am convinced that he is mentally fine.”
Mbappé has only scored one goal at the Euros, a penalty against Poland in the group stage, and was substituted in extra time during France's shoot-out win over Portugal in the quarter-finals.
“He had a problem with his back, his mask, the blow to his nose,” said Deschamps. “It could have been the end of the championship, but he is still with us. He is getting used to his new playing conditions and I am convinced that he will give his all.”
“It's a new situation for Kylian, having to wear a mask. It's a bit different, he doesn't see exactly the same thing. It's something you have to get used to.
“The bruise has disappeared and his nose is getting better every day. He's going to have to get used to it and will have to bear it for a couple of weeks or maybe months more.”
Champions Madrid travel to Mallorca on the opening weekend of the new LaLiga season, before hosting Real Valladolid and then visiting Las Palmas.
The club has not yet made official when Mbappé will be presented as a Real Madrid player, after arriving this summer on a five-year contract.
