Bad news for French football fans! Ousmane Dembélé is sidelined with a thigh injury, expected to keep him out of action for two to three weeks. This injury means he'll miss France's Nation's League match against Germany and, crucially, Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) opening match in the Club World Cup against Atlético de Madrid.
Dembélé's Absence a Blow for PSG
Dembélé's absence is a significant setback for PSG. He was expected to play a key role in their Club World Cup campaign. The timeline puts his participation in their second match against Botafogo in serious doubt as well. The extent of the injury is still being assessed, with further tests scheduled.
Barcola Also Injured
Adding to France's woes, Bradley Barcola is also injured. While his knee injury isn't considered as serious as Dembélé's, it's another concern for the national team. Both players have returned to PSG for treatment, but won't be replaced in the French squad.
France's Lineup Changes for Germany Match
With Dembélé and Barcola out, France is forced to make significant changes to their lineup for the Nation's League third-place match against Germany. Coach Deschamps is expected to field a much-changed team, with opportunities for younger players to step up. Lucas Chevalier is tipped to start in goal, with a reshuffled defense featuring Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni is likely to return to the midfield.
- Rayan Cherki is in line for his first start after impressing in his debut.
- Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani are also expected to feature.
The expected lineup for France against Germany: Chevalier – Gusto, Pavard, L. Hernandez, Digne – Tchouaméni, Guendouzi – Kolo Muani, Che.
This string of injuries raises questions about player management, particularly following their Champions League exploits. Are players being adequately rested and prepared for international competitions? The physical demands of modern football continue to take their toll.