Masked Kylian Mbappe scores twice for France in a behind-closed-doors friendly ahead of his Euro 2024 return after suffering horror nose break during victory against Austria

Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France while wearing a mask during a behind-closed-doors friendly as he targets a return at Euro 2024 after breaking his nose.

The forward suffered the grizzly injury during Les Blues' first group game, a 1-0 victory against Austria, after colliding with the shoulder of defender Kevin Danso.

But Mbappe took a step closer to a comeback after playing against German side Paderborn's Under-21s on Saturday, a significant boost to boss Didier Deschamps. 

France gave invaluable minutes to players who had either played cameo roles or were unused substitutes during the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Friday night.

Real Madrid frontman Mbappe, sporting a sleek black mask, scored twice and laid on two assists, having played in each of the friendly's 30-minute halves.

Both teams were told to avoid heavy contact to minimise the risk of injury and Mbappe emerged unscathed on the left-hand side of France's frontline.

The game also enabled Mbappe, 25, the opportunity to test out the mask designed to protect his face after his nose effectively shattered earlier in the tournament.

Mbappe had inadvertently made contact with the shoulder of Danso but did not require surgery after his nose was reset by medics in the dressing room. 

He had seemingly been in contention to play against the Netherlands but ultimately remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes - while clutching his mask. 

'I wasn't bluffing at all with Kylian,' Deschamps told reporters post-match.

'If it had been a decisive match, I maybe would have thought twice. There's a risk, and every day we're getting closer. It was wiser to keep him on the bench.'

Les Blues are second in Group D after their 0-0 draw in Leipzig and no decision has been made on whether Mbappe will return against Poland on Tuesday.

France are set to undertake one more light training session at their HQ before leaving for Dortmund tomorrow. There, they will train at the stadium.