Paris, Europe Brief News – Just two days before the World Cup final, several France players have caught colds, the French Football Federation said.
“We don’t worry about illnesses. In the past few days the temperatures in Qatar have fallen a little bit, the air-conditioning is on and we have cases of flu-like symptoms and we’re careful it doesn’t spread,” coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday.
“Players have made great efforts on the pitch and suffered immediately after the match. The body is weakened and you’re more prone to be infected by these viruses. We’re taking necessary precautions.”
A France press officer added: “As you know, Randal is not a doctor, we will communicate about it later.”
Deschamps was confident both Upamecano and Rabiot would be fit for Sunday’s showdown at the Lusail Stadium.
“Dayot will be fit. Since Saturday he wasn’t well for three days. He had a fever and that had an impact on his strength,” he said.
“Given the tough match we had, I decided not to play him and play Konate instead as he’s shown he’s good enough to play at this level.
“Rabiot was sick, was better this afternoon but not well enough so he stayed in the hotel. We have four days to rest so he should be better and available for Sunday.”
Should Konate and Varane be out, however, Deschamps would face a difficult selection decision, as he would be without two of his top three defenders.
