Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders of the Netherlands stated on Tuesday that his team believes Kylian Mbappe, the top player for France, will heal from his broken nose in time for Friday’s pivotal Euro 2024 match.
Mbappe is doubtful for the encounter between the two European giants that might determine first place in Group D after he broke his nose in Monday’s 1-0 victory against Austria.
“I think he’ll be fine,” the AC Milan midfielder said.
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“I think we’ll see him later on with a mask. Mbappe is a great footballer and you have to deal with injuries as a player.”
Mbappe was dangerous in the win and laid on the only goal of the match when his pass bounced off the head of Austria defender Maximillian Woeber and into the goal.
The France star, who moved from hometown club Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid before the tournament, was subbed off with a bloody nose on the 90-minute mark after a collision with Austria defender Kevin Danso.
The Netherlands overcame a goal deficit to defeat Poland 2-1 in their opening encounter, winning the three points owing to a goal by Wout Weghorst in the 83rd minute.
Despite being among the favorites, Reijnders stated that the Dutch were not intimidated by France, who had advanced to the final of three of the previous four major events.
“They performed somewhat as I had anticipated. We’ve already played France. In the next days, we must assess our strengths and weaknesses and take appropriate action.
“We need to work hard for it.”
