Why is Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani wearing a mask?

The striker is wearing a black protective covering, strapped around the bottom of his chin

Randal Kolo Muani in action against Arsenal (REUTERS)

Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani is wearing a protective mask after injuring his jaw.

Kolo Muani suffered the injury in a collision with Harry Maguire during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in November.

The France international did not require surgery and has featured in games against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham while wearing a black protective covering strapped around the bottom of his chin.

The PSG loanee was cleared to play after Tottenham were able to fit the striker with his protective mask, and he even scored his first goals for Spurs against his parent club in the Champions League defeat in Paris.

Kolo Muani’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe played with a protective mask at Euro 2024 after breaking his nose but not requiring immediate surgery. However, Mbappe described his experience of wearing a mask at the tournament as “awful and horrible”.

“I keep changing masks because, every time, there’s something that bothers me, there’s something that’s not quite right,” he said . “It limits your field of vision, your sweat clogs up. The first few days, I felt like I was wearing 3D glasses.

“As soon as I can get rid of that mask, I will. But now I don’t have a choice. I can’t play without it. I hate it.”