France boost as Varane and Konate ‘back in training’ after illness just 24 hours before World Cup final with Argentina
FRANCE have received a timely injury boost ahead of the World Cup final after Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate returned to the squad.
The champions preparation before their clash with Argentina on Sunday was derailed after FIVE first-team stars missed training.
A wave of illness swept over the camp before the semi-final against Morocco, and were reeling from this with Varane, Konate and Kinglsey Coman falling ill.
These absences were added to by Theo Hernandez (knee) and Aurelien Tchouameni (hip), who sat out through injury.
However, French outlet L’Equipe have reported both Varane and Konate have re-joined the squad for lunch and are expected to be involved in training later today.
Meanwhile, Coman remains in his room.
The return of the two central defenders means Didier Deschamps has a full selection to choose from after Dayot Upamecano also returned after missing the semi-final.
Adrien Rabiot will also be available after sitting out the semi-final, but his replacement Youssouf Fofana put in an impressive display against Morocco which could see him retain his spot.
While France have seen the last stretch of their title defence come under siege, Argentina have had no reports of such afflictions.
But the pressure is nonetheless on for Lionel Messi and Co to bring home a first Jules Rimet trophy since 1986 after failing in 2014.
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Speaking about the outbreak of the virus, Deschamps explained the virus spreading through the camp.
He said: “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time.
“We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
“We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
“Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match (against England).
“It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
“We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
“We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
In one fortunate twist of fate, Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is technically available for France selection in the final due to never being replaced in the squad.
However, both Deschamps and Benzema appeared to squash such rumours, with Deschamps saying he was taking care of the 24 players in the squad rather than players not present.
Benzema posted a cryptic message on his social media channels, stating: “It does not interest me.”