Prior to the start of theQatar 2022 World Cup,France were definitely the team facing the most amount of absences because of injury or illness. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba,Christopher Nkunku or Presnel Kimpembe. Whenthe tournament started,Lucas Hernandezjoined that list with a right knee injury in the opener with Australia.
Furthermore, just before the semifinal against Morocco, amysterious virus producing flu symptoms hit very important players such asAdrien RabiotandDayot Upamecano. None of them played that match. After clinching a ticket to the final, Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate got the virus too. Incredibly,Theo Hernandez(left knee) andAurelien Tchouameni(hip) also had injuries.
However, in the begininning of the last training session, Didier Deschamps had every player at his disposal. Finally, everyone was healthy. A few minutes later, in a shocking development, the word spread out. Olivier Giroud suffered another injury in that practice leaving him in doubt for the final.
Why is Olivier Giroud in doubt for the World Cup final?
After that last training session before the final, a report from prestigious L’Equipe said that Olivier Giroud had knee pain because of a hit during practice. Inthe Qatar 2022 World Cup, Giroud became the top-scorer in France’s history and is a serious candidate to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.
Considering this scenario, many reports from France’s base camp warned that Didier Deschamps already tried a tactical alternative.He used almost the same starting lineup that won againstEnglandin the quarterfinals, but with one major change.Olivier Giroudout,Marcus Thuramin on the left side andKylian Mbappetaking Giroud’s spot as center forward.
Though Olivier Giroud has not been oficially ruled out of the final, Didier Deschamps had his players ready for the next man up scenario with Marcus Thuram. In an uphill battle against injuries, France might have to face one more challenge if they want the trophy against Argentina.
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