Dutch expect Mbappe to be fit for France clash

Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders said Tuesday his side believe France superstar Kylian Mbappe will recover from his broken nose in time for Friday’s crucial Euro 2024 match-up. 

Mbappe broke his nose in Monday’s 1-0 win over Austria and is in doubt for the match between the two European heavyweights which could decide top placing in Group D. 

“I think he’ll be fine,” the AC Milan midfielder said. 

“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 came from a goal down to win their opening match against Poland 2-1, grabbing the three points thanks to Wout Weghorst’s 83rd minute goal. 

Reijnders said the Dutch were unawed against France, who are among the favourites, having made the final of three of the past four major tournaments. 

“They played a bit like I thought they would. We’ve played France before. We have to see what we can do better and work on that in the coming days. 

“We need to work hard for it.”