France players hit by colds as Argentina final looms

According to the French Football Federation, several France players have colds as they get ready to face Argentina in the World Cup final. Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate were the most recent to get sick on Friday.

Due to illness, Dayot Upamecano at center defense and Adrien Rabiot at midfield were absent from Wednesday’s 2-0 semifinal victory over Morocco.

After the game on Wednesday, coach Didier Deschamps refused to worry and insisted that they were taking precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.

Striker Randal Kolo Muani, who came off the bench to score France’s second goal in their win over Morocco, said on Friday: “There’s a little flu that’s been spreading but nothing serious. They’ll be well soon and be ready for Sunday.”

A French press officer added: “As you know, Randal is not a doctor, we will communicate about it later.”

Kolo Muani said the players who fell ill had been isolated.

“Those who are sick stay in their room, they’re being taken care of by the doctors and we’ve been enforcing social distancing. We’re very strict about it,” he said.

Ousmane Dembele, a forward, said: “We’re not afraid of that virus. When Dayot and Adrien experienced some stomach discomfort, I gave them a cup of ginger and honey tea, which helped them feel better. I’m hoping that everyone is prepared for the final.

“Dayot improved, and I believe everyone will be prepared. We’ve been taking safety measures. Dayot stayed in his room on the first day, but we brought him food, and the next day he rejoined the group.

Theo Hernandez (knee) and Aurelien Tchouameni (hip) of France missed training on Friday to work inside, according to FFF.

Upamecano and Rabiot would be available for Sunday’s match at the Lusail Stadium, according to Deschamps.

“Dayot will be fit. Since Saturday he wasn’t well for three days … had a fever and that had an impact on his strength,” he said on Wednesday.

“Given the tough match we had I decided not to play him and play Konate instead as he’s shown he’s good enough to play at this level.

“Rabiot was sick, was better this afternoon but not well enough so he stayed in the hotel. We have four days to rest so he should be better and available for Sunday.”

Deschamps would have a difficult time making a selection, though, if Konate and Varane were to be out, as they were two of his top three defenders.

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