France will be without a key figure when they take on Norway in their Group I decider this evening.
The two heayweights go head-to-head in Foxborough, Massachusetts this evening, as the world’s two top strikers lock horns.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will be hoping to get on the scoresheet as they eye the World Cup golden boot, with Lionel Messi currently leading the way with five, and the pair a goal behind the Argentine.
However, Mbappe and co. will have to do it without their manager Didier Deschamps, who will not be on the touchline this evening.
The World Cup-winning boss became just the third person to win the tournament as both a player and a manager after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.
Why is Deschamps not on the touchline for France vs Norway tonight?
Les Bleus’ head coach is not present at the Gilette Stadium because his mother tragically passed away earlier this week.
The French Football Federation confirmed in a statement that Deschamps would fly back to France to attend the funeral, hence his absence from the touchline this evening and previous training sessions in recent days.
It remains to be seen as to whether he will return before the knockout stages, with France already through, but the 2018 World Cup winners will be wanting to top Group I, and they must avoid defeat here to do so.
Guy Stephan, Deschamps’ assistant, will assume control this evening, looking to outfox former Wolves manager Stale Solbakken in the Norway technical area.
