Didier Deschamps has seen his World Cup final preparations hit by a virus.
Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are the latest players to be hit by the mystery illness which has ripped through the France squad and left them facing a defensive crisis. Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano missed France’s semi final while Kingsley Coman also complained of having a fever.
Manchester United defender Varane and Liverpool centre half Konate both played against Morocco on Wednesday but could now be doubts for Sunday’s final with Argentina. Ousmane Dembele insists the squad are not scared of the virus and extra measures have been put in place.
Barcelona winger Dembele said: “No, we are not scared of the virus. Dayot and Adrien had a headache and tummy but they had tea, ginger and honey which helped them and hopefully everyone will be fully fit.
“It does not worry us or the staff. I want to see the players with my mask obviously but we stick together and everyone will be ready for Sunday’s game but for us, the staff and the players, we are taking precautions.”
France star Randal Kolo Muani added: “Everyone is being careful. The doctors have put in place a hygiene system to avoid the virus spreading.
“The sick players are in their rooms, We are washing our hands with gel and we try and keep the social distancing in place. We are very strict on these rules.”
France officials fear they might have even got the virus in their quarter final with England but are struggling to keep the illness under control. They believe the virus could have originated from air conditioning in the hotels and facilities in Qatar. Temperatures in Qatar have also dropped significantly in the past 10 days.
Varane has been a key player in France’s run to the final while Konate was also outstanding when he came in for Upamecano. They are hoping Rabiot will be fit for the final at the Lusail Stadium but Deschamps has said that the players have been left feeling unwell for “three days.”
Decshamps said this week: “It’s ’flu season now, and in that sense, we have to be careful. And also, the players have put in a huge shift and their immune system might be a little run down.
“The temperatures have dropped in the last few days, and you always need to be careful. Regarding the virus, we’re not worried, really.”
Illness is not the only thing that has given Deschamps food for thought ahead of Les Bleus' second consecutive World Cup final with left-back Lucas Hernandez also a doubt. As per French outlet L'Equipe, his fitness is being monitored prior to the match itself.
After opening the scoring in the semi-final clash against Morocco, he sustained two heavy blows to his knee. He is being monitored by the nation's medical staff.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema - who pulled out injured on the eve of the tournament - is not expected to rejoin the squad.
Benzema played in a friendly match for his club this week, is back in full training and was left on the France squad list but is not due to fly back.
