Stretch: France’s Kingsley Coman (right) and Marcus Thuram warming up. — AFP
BERLIN: France captain Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose in the group stage, is testing out a new mask ahead of the Euro 2024 last-16 game with Belgium today.
The French Football Federation published photographs on Saturday from a closed training session the day before, where the striker was wearing a different shape of mask to the one he used in the 1-1 group-stage draw with Poland.
The 25-year-old scored a penalty in that game but had previously complained about his mask being uncomfortable and affecting his vision.
The new mask is larger but tighter to the face and French broadcaster RMC Sport said it had been chosen as it might not bother him as much in today’s big game in Duesseldorf.
France players have yet to score a goal from open play at these Euros.
Meanwhile, winger Kingsley Coman will temporarily leave the French team’s base in western Germany for the birth of his fourth child, media reports said.
The 28-year-old is travelling to Sweden to be with his girlfriend, RMC Sport and others reported.
He is expected to be back for the Belgium clash. — dpa
