(Football news) In the latter moments of the 1-0 triumph over Austria, Mbappe was involved in an aerial challenge with Kevin Danso in which the defender’s shoulder was struck by his head.

Blood all over him, it was soon realised that the 25-year-old had a fractured nose. He was treated on the field before being replaced.

Deschamps said that his star player was “not doing very well” in the hours following the event, and the French Football Association said that a protective mask would be manufactured as quickly as possible.

But questions have persisted regarding Mbappe’s potential return date and whether surgery is necessary for the gory wound. 

Deschamps reveals when Mbappe will have surgery

Although it has already been suggested that Mbappe has little chance of featuring against Netherlands on Friday, Deschamps has said that an operation will not take place in the short term.

Instead, the newly-signed Real Madrid attacker will undergo surgery once France’s participation in the tournament has concluded, likely at some point in July.

Speaking to reporters, Deschamps said: “This Wednesday there will be more tests to see his evolution. It was a major shock. The medical staff did everything necessary to reduce it as much as possible, after the tests.

“Even if there is not surgery immediately, he will have to do it after the tournament. This morning he was already a little better, so we will see. We will follow it closely every day.”

While it has been claimed that Mbappe still has hopes of featuring against Netherlands on Friday, it remains to be seen whether that is realistic.

Ramifications for France and Real Madrid?

France supporters will be encouraged to hear that their talisman will almost certainly play a part in the rest of the tournament, even if his next outing may not come until June 25 against Poland.

If Les Bleus finish in the top two of Group D, they will not play their last-16 tie until the start of July, handing Mbappe more recovery time.

From Real Madrid’s perspective, Mbappe undergoing surgery shortly before starting pre-season training is far from ideal, yet their new signing will be able to go through several weeks of rehabilitation before he even links up with his teammates.

With La Liga beginning just over a month after the Euro 2024 final, Mbappe may be deemed fit to feature in their opening fixture in the middle of August.

Also read: Portugal defeat Czech Republic in their first match at the Euro 2024