France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose late on in his side's Euro 2024 victory over Austria.

France manager Didier Deschamps said it was "very bad news" for the team, who are set to take on the Netherlands in three days time.

France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose late on in his side's Euro 2024 victory over Austria. 

The 25-year-old, who is one of the biggest names at the tournament, was left with a bloodied face and shirt after he collided with the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso while challenging for a header.

It came after Mbappe set up the only goal of the game and squandered a great chance to make it two.

He left the stadium in an ambulance to undergo X-rays and the French Football Federation (FFF) later confirmed he had a broken nose and would have a mask made.

In the post-match news conference, manager Didier Deschamps, described the injury as "really bad".

We'll have to wait and see, the medical staff are dealing with it. We'll have to see what's going to be done and then how long it will take. It's very bad news for us tonight," he said.

"Obviously, the French team with or without him, this is not the same thing. I hope he can be there."

The injury comes as a huge blow for France, who are set to face the Netherlands on Friday.

But it does not mark the end for the French forward's participation in the competition.

'Any ideas for masks?'

Appearing to make light of the injury, Mbappe asked his 14 million X followers if they had: "Any ideas for masks?"

The FFF said wearing a mask will allow the player "to consider resuming competition after a period devoted to treatment".

He is not believed to be undergoing immediate surgery.

Elsewhere in the tournament, much-favoured Belgium experienced a disappointing start to their Euro 2024 campaign after losing 1-0 to lower-ranked Slovakia.

It was Slovakia's Ivan Schranz who was able to guide the ball expertly into the far corner from a tight angle - a move that survived extensive VAR review.

While Romelu Lukaku - Belgium's leading scorer - appeared to apologise to fans after controversially being denied two equalisers after VAR review.

Sky News

Breaking: Police rescue kidnapped Fouani brothers in Lagos

LAGOS PPRO: Benjamin Hundeyin

By Esther Onyegbula

The Managing Director, Fouani Company, a prominent representative of LG and Hisense, Mohamed Fouani who was kidnapped alongside two Lebanese, the boat captain and his assistant have been rescued.

The five of them were rescued late on monday night in Orugbo Iddo area of Lagos by the Lagos state Marine Police with the support of Nigerian Navy.

Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin of the Lagos State Police confirmed the victims’ rescue, saying: “Last night in Orugbo Iddo, five of them, three Lebanese, the boat captain, and his assistant were rescued.”

“Our Marine Police with the support of Nigerian Navy brought them to shore. Thereafter, our tactical team in the area took them home on Banana Island in the early hours of today.”

Recall that on Friday, while sailing from Apapa to Victoria Island, the boat captain and his assistant, two other Lebanese nationals, and the Managing Director of the Fouani company (LG and Hisense) were abducted close to Falomo Bridge.

There was no information available at the time this report was filed regarding whether the kidnappers who demanded $1.5 million had received any ransom before the hostages were freed

(VANGUARD)