Ibrahima Konate could start France’s World Cup semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday after illness swept through Didier Deschamps’ side in Qatar.
Les Bleus’ preparation for the clash at the Al Bayt Stadium has been undermined by sickness in the camp. Deschamps has maintained consistency in his selections so far, but may now be forced to change his approach against Morocco.
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano, who both started the 2-1 win over England on Saturday, are both doubts for the match, according to L’Equipe. Juventus ’ Rabiot has caught a cold on the eve of the game, while Bayern Munich’s Upamecano has a sore throat.
Both missed Tuesday’s training session, instead preparing alone in the gym, Aurelien Tchouameni was back available, following a calf problem, but Deschamps still has plenty to ponder.
Rabiot has featured in all five of France’s matches so far. If he is unavailable then Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana is the most likely player to step up in his absence. Liverpool centre-back Konate could take Upamecano’s place alongside Manchester United ’s Raphael Varane in defence.
Konate started France’s opening game of the World Cup – a 4-1 win over Australia – as well as their shock 1-0 defeat by Tunisia. But his former RB Leipzig teammate Upamecano has been preferred for the bigger games, including knockout wins over Poland and England.
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Deschamps is already without star striker Karim Benzema, who picked up an injury on the eve of the tournament, and left-back Lucas Hernandez, who sustained a serious injury against Australia and has since been replaced by his brother, Theo Hernandez.
While France are aiming to reach the final for the second consecutive tournament, Morocco have already made history by reaching the last four. The Atlas Lions are the first African team in history to get that far, but France captain Hugo Lloris is not underestimating them.
"I believe that both teams have a lot to lose,” the Tottenham goalkeeper said. “It's the semi-final of a World Cup and unique opportunity to go to the final. Obviously, it's already a success for Morocco to be at this stage of the competition, but believe me, they won't stop! They will just want to carry on and to become even bigger heroes for the country of Morocco.
“So we have to prepare for the demands of the semi-final. It doesn't matter who the opponent is. We just try to put the focus, energy, concentration and strength into this game to make sure we don't have any regrets at the end.
"We are in admiration of what they've achieved, but they are our opponents and, at the end of the day, we are trying to get to a final, so our competitive spirit will take over. They have a steady defence and are good on the counter-attack.”
