France fitness boost as ALL players struggling with virus return to training ahead of World Cup final vs Argentina
ALL France’s players are back in training after a huge illness and injury scare ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
Virus victims Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and Kingsley Coman have returned plus crocked duo Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni
A wave of illness swept over the camp before Wednesday’s 2-0 semi-final against Morocco.
And Hernandez (knee) as well as Tchouameni (hip) made the situation worse with injuries.
But French outlet L’Equipe say centre-backs Varane and Konate re-joined the squad for lunch.
Bayern Munich winger Coman had to stay isolated in his room for longer but has reportedly also made a comeback.
Central defender Dayot Upamecano is also back after missing the semi-final.
Adrien Rabiot will be available again too after sitting out that Morocco clash.
But his replacement Youssouf Fofana put in an impressive display and boss Didier Deschamps could retain him in the starting line-up.
While France have seen the last stretch of their title defence come under siege, Argentina have had no reports of such afflictions.
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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.
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.”