Mbappé Sidelined Amid France's Showdown with the Netherlands

Kylian Mbappé was omitted from France's starting lineup in their 0-0 draw against the Netherlands at the European Championship. Initially doubtful due to a broken nose, Mbappé trained with a face mask but was not deemed fit for the physical match. UEFA regulations also restricted his mask's design.

In a surprising turn of events, Kylian Mbappé was excluded from France's starting lineup in their 0-0 draw with the Netherlands at the European Championship on Friday. Despite training with a face mask after a nose injury, France's coach Didier Deschamps opted to keep him benched, citing potential risk against the aggressive Dutch defense.

The star forward, who broke his nose in the opening 1-0 win over Austria, appeared composed as he arrived at the stadium sans bandage but sporting sunglasses. During warmups, he wore a plain black face mask and remained an unused substitute throughout the game.

UEFA regulations played a role in his appearance. Mbappé's initial mask, adorned with the French flag and personalized with his initials and France's crest, was deemed non-compliant. According to UEFA rules, medical equipment on the field must be a single color, devoid of team and manufacturer markings. France and the Netherlands now both hold four points in Group D.