Why Kylian Mbappe isn't allowed to wear French protective face mask against Netherlands
French footballer Kylian Mbappe will not be allowed to wear the protective face mask he has been using in training during France v Netherlands this evening.
Mbappe could be seen wearing the mask - decorated with the French flag - after breaking his nose during a match against Austria this week, when he collided with Kevin Danso's shoulder.
France had to work for their 1-0 win against the Austrian team, winning only after an own goal.
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It was Mbappe's cross that was diverted into the Austrian net by defender Max Wober, but later on in the game, a clash of heads with Danso left Mbappe clutching his nose and covered with blood.
The striker, who has just made the move from PSG to Real Madrid, left the pitch clutching a broken nose.
It has been confirmed that Mbappe will be on the bench during the match against the Netherlands on Friday evening, but if he does end up making it onto the pitch, then he will not be allowed to wear the same mask he wore during training.
This is down to some pretty specific UEFA rules, which restrict what kind of medical equipment can be worn during matches.
The rules explain that if medical equipment must be worn, it should be a single colour.
They state: “Medical equipment worn on the playing field must be of a single colour and must not allow the team or manufacturer to be identified."
Mbappe seemed set on returning to the pitch earlier this week, and took to social media after the accident, asking fans what kind of mask he should wear.
He posted 'Des idées de masques', which translates to: "Any ideas for masks?"
And speaking about Mbappe's progress, France boss, Didier Deschamps, said that things were moving in the right direction.
"Everything is going in the right direction after this major shock with the consequences," he explained.
"Yesterday he went out, he did a little activity. This will also be the case this evening. Things are moving in the right direction to ensure that he is available tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann also said: “Kylian is doing very well, his nose is less swollen. We will see how he is doing until the end. His feeling will be the deciding factor."
It has since been confirmed that Mbappe is only fit for the bench tonight, as France take on Netherlands at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Lucy Devine