This Sunday, Kylian Mbappe participated in training wearing a new mask to protect his broken nose. Nose reinforcement, ventilation at the top of the mask and goggles strap… Is it enough?

Last Sunday, Kylian Mbappe showed off his new mask during training. His name is written in black ink on the bottom left of the mask along with his jersey number (10). The back has a Speedo strap like swimming goggles. The top of the mask has a reinforced nose section with ventilation holes.

Mbappe used a new mask in the form of swimming goggles

Compared to the match against the Netherlands, when he wore the first mask with 3 colors, this striker seemed less awkward to use, even when he asked to change the mask. Therefore, the French team doctor brought Mbappe another black mask and the striker wore it.

This new mask fits much better than the previous two, is made to measure, is less uncomfortable and allows Mbappe a wider field of vision. His adaptation is still not perfect, but his feeling is much better.

The issue of whether Mbappe will start in the match against Poland is more important than anything. His nasal bone had not yet healed and would likely be more seriously injured if he was hit again. In any case, Mbappe’s mask continues to amuse the French.

According to public observation, the rookie of Real Madrid Club still seems embarrassed to wear a mask during training sessions, perhaps because he is not used to it. Mbappe continued trying to wear it until near the end of training and played several minutes with the ball without a mask.

Mbappe’s activities seem more comfortable in the new mask

Mbappe did not play in the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands, but he still wore a mask on the bench. A few days later, he also wore a mask when he took part in Saturday’s match against SC Pader𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧’s youth team. This striker appeared on the field and scored 2 goals in 30 minutes of play.

That’s enough to gain momentum before Mbappe can return in the final group stage match against Poland on Tuesday night. France needs to beat Poland with a big score to get top spot because they are currently behind the Netherlands in terms of sub-stats.

Therefore, Mbappe still has the motivation to play and score goals despite breaking his nose in the first match with Austria. “I think Mbappe wants to play against Poland. His mask? Mbappe is used to it. He will have to play with a mask even though it’s a bit cumbersome, but that’s just to ensure his safety,” coach Didier Deschamps said at the pre-match press conference.

The French national team skipped training in Dortmund due to new UEFA restrictions. The latter regulation limits the duration of practice sessions on the field to 45 minutes, compared to 1 hour previously. This narrowed the training time so much that the preparation team could not prepare for a regular 11v11 training session.