A Premier League defender, called up for Zinédine Zidane's first squad, was ruled out during the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
The French national team's upcoming fixtures risk being affected by a notable absence. A defender playing in the top flight of English competition was forced to leave the pitch during the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, decided by a penalty shoot-out won by the Reds 6-5. Aside from the result, the player in question suffered a physical setback that temporarily sidelines him. This mishap comes nine days before Zinédine Zidane's new squad announcement.
The defender had been included in the first camp of Les Bleus under the former Lyon playmaker. He had been fielded in all of the matches played by the French squad during that first call-up. His presence was therefore expected for the rest of the international cycle, making this injury particularly frustrating for the coaching staff.
The player's absence opens the door for other candidates hoping to earn a place in the final squad. The form of other contenders for the centre-back or full-back positions will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days. The national team's medical staff will now be able to assess the exact extent of the injury before deciding on the player's ability to prepare physically.
For France, entering a decisive phase of their competition, squad depth is of paramount importance. The national coach will have to make a consequential decision, knowing that the upcoming friendlies or European tournament matches are crucial for fine-tuning the game and reassuring supporters about the team's defensive solidity. Managing this pre-squad period is now a major challenge for the staff.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, decided by a penalty shoot-out won by the Reds 6-5. Aside from the result, the player in question suffered a physical setback that temporarily sidelines him. This mishap comes nine days before Zinédine Zidane's new squad announcement.
The defender had been included in the first camp of Les Bleus under the former Lyon playmaker. He had been fielded in all of the matches played by the French squad during that first call-up. His presence was therefore expected for the rest of the international cycle, making this injury particularly frustrating for the coaching staff.
The player's absence opens the door for other candidates hoping to earn a place in the final squad. The form of other contenders for the centre-back or full-back positions will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days. The national team's medical staff will now be able to assess the exact extent of the injury before deciding on the player's ability to prepare physically.
For France, entering a decisive phase of their competition, squad depth is of paramount importance. The national coach will have to make a consequential decision, knowing that the upcoming friendlies or European tournament matches are crucial for fine-tuning the game and reassuring supporters about the team's defensive solidity. Managing this pre-squad period is now a major challenge for the staff.
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Source: Ouest-France