Karim Benzema is the latest star to be robbed of a place at the World Cup, leaving France to reshuffle their pack.
Les Blues would've been expecting the Ballon d'Or winner to play a leading role at the World Cup, having returned to the international game after a lengthy period away. A thigh problem now means he won't feature in Qatar after an MRI scan confirmed he would "require a three-week recovery period".
The world champions are not short of options, however, with Didier Deschamps having an embarrassment of riches. It means he is able to switch things up ahead of their opening game against Australia on Tuesday. That said, the preparation is still less than ideal.
France did win the World Cup four years ago minus the Real Madrid star, so are perfectly capable of performing without him. Benzema is not the only key figure missing, though, with midfield duo Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante also absent. And Christopher Nkunku, who would've been an option to replace Benzema, is another man sidelined.
Deschamps realistically has two options if he wants to play a similar system that won't require wholesale changes. Mirror Football takes a look at who could fill the sizeable void now left by Ballon d'Or winner.
Giroud leading the line
This has been a go to for years, so much so that the former Arsenal and Chelsea man is closing in on Thierry Henry's record goals total for France. He led the line for Les Blues when they triumphed in Russia four years ago, despite not scoring in the tournament.
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Giroud's greatest strength though, which is perhaps why he's known as one of the game's underrated players, is how he creates and compliments those around him. Kylian Mbappe is known to prefer playing with a pivot, rather than taking up that role himself.
Les Blues did train earlier this week with Giroud at the head of the attack and Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele supporting him. Benzema's injury is unlikely to affect the backline, but questions remain over that area. Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Lucas Hernandez have trained as a back four.
Possible XI One: Lloris, Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.
Griezmann's main role
France will need a plan B they can call upon, whether that is to surprise opponents in the knockout stages or to breakdown teams who are content to sit back during the group games. If Deschamps wants to mix things up he could play Griezmann as the focal point in attack.
The Atletico Madrid man may look to drop deep, almost playing as a false nine, which would open up those out-to-in runs for the wide players. A switch in formation would also free up a spot in midfield, which may ease Deschamp's selection headache.
He has several dynamic players in the middle of the park, two of whom are starring for Real Madrid. Both Edouardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni provide great energy and could be complimented by one of the more experienced members of the squad.
William Saliba has also been pressing his own case at centre-half with some sensational performances with Arsenal this term. Raphael Varane may also been an option later on once he's recovered from injury.
Possible XI Two: Lloris, Pavard, Saliba, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe.
