France dealt HUGE Kylian Mbappe blow with talismanic captain set to be absent until quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose against Austria

According to RTL France, the France captain is likely to remain out of action for at least 15 days, which means he is set to miss the team's Euro 2024 matches until at least the quarter-final stage. Mbappe broke his nose on Monday after a collision with Austria and Lens defender Kevin Danso during the team's tournament opener.

The incident happened towards the end of the game, after which Mbappe was subbed off as Olivier Giroud replaced him. The player was then rushed to the hospital where test results showed that his condition was not too serious and surgery was avoidable. However, Mbappe has been advised to use a custom mask when he returns to action.

The 25-year-old later jokingly posted on X and asked for suggestions for what type of mask he should wear the next time he takes the field from his fans. He wrote, "Any ideas for masks?"

Mbappe's absence comes as a massive blow for the 2018 World Cup winners, who will now prepare to face European giants Netherlands in their second match of the competition on Friday. It is likely that Mbappe will also sit out France's final group game against Poland on June 25.