French icon, Kylian Mbappé walked off the pitch with his kit and socks drained in blood after hitting his nose against Ghanaian-born Austrian center back, Kevin Danso, in France’s opening game of the 2024 European Championship in Düsseldorf.
The said incident transpired in the 85th minute when Mbappé, who was looking to score his first-ever European Championship goal, contested for an aerial duel with the impervious Danso.
However, much to his dismay, Kylian inadvertently struck his head(his nose in particular) against Danso’s shoulder, albeit the defender having his eyes fixated on the flight of the ball.
Referee on the night, Gil Manzano, immediately called for the French medics as blood seeped down the nose of Mbappé, going down to his kit.
The captain failed to continue the game and has been confirmed by the French Football Federation to have suffered a broken nose, which needs immediate attention, subject to treatment in Düsseldorf— where the game took place.
Despite losing Mbappé for the final 5 minutes, which accounted for a lengthy stoppage time of 9 minutes, France were able to hold on to their 1-0 win, kicking off their tournament in style.
Mbappé is expected to miss up to ten days and could be out for the team’s two group games against Netherlands and Poland.
Meanwhile, Danso, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Austria, will aim to secure qualification to the next stage of the competition under Ralf Ragnick’s tutelage.
EURO 2024: Mbappé leaves pitch in pool of blood after Kevin Danso collision
