Just two months out from the World Cup and France's defence of their title is in jeopardy.
Les Blues claimed global dominance as they won in Russia four years ago, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final to claim their second World Cup. Their first defence of their crown, back in 2002, ended horrifically as they were dumped out in the group stages amid a host of issues.
Now, with their first game against Australia just 56 days away, the defending champions are dealing with a mounting injury list and question marks over their form. They failed to back up their World Cup triumph as they were shocked by Switzerland at the Euros last summer, losing on penalties in the last 16.
In the Nations League Les Blues are also the holders, having beaten Spain in the final less than year ago, but in the latest edition they've won none of their four games. Home losses at the hands of Denmark and Croatia leave the champions staring down the barrel of relegation.
Didier Deschamps will certainly be aiming to get his side back on track in the forthcoming international break, where they face games against Austria and Denmark. Already though he faces some considerable selection issues with major names absent through injury.
Karim Benzema, the man tipped to win the Ballon d'Or, is out as are midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante. Goalkeeper and stalwart Hugo Lloris will also be absent whilst Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate and Lucas Hernandez also find themselves on the sidelines.
The depth of France's quality has been hailed, but even that is now being tested such is their injury list. Rennes full-back Adrien Truffert is among several uncapped players in the squad, which is far from ideal preparation given they may not be part of the World Cup group.
Unity within the squad doesn't appear to be a problem however with Benjamin Pavard, who scored a memorable goal in the last World Cup, underlining his commitment to his manager. He told Telefoot: "He is an important person, he came to watch the matches when I was playing in Stuttgart when nobody was watching. I owe him a lot. I would die for him on the pitch."
Deschamps made a worrying admission after their last defeat at the hands of Croatia, stating: "We lost a bit of self-confidence along the way but it's mostly freshness that we lacked. When you play so many games it is very very hard."
