The packages keep coming for the French team. After William Saliba and Jules Koundé, it is the turn of Dayot Upamecano to retire due to injury.
It almost feels like we’ve gone back a year. At this time twelve months ago, Didier Deschamps had to face a cascade of injuries and withdrawals as he prepared for the 2022 World Cup. At the start of autumn 2023, the French coach once again sees his troops to reduce one’s self. And it is on the defense side that the forfeits have been coming one after the other for several hours. Three men less (but digitally replaced), including the latest: Dayot Upamecano.
William Saliba opened the ball late Sunday afternoon, suffering from a right big toe. At the same time, Jules Koundé was injured (in the left knee) during the Granada-FC Barcelona match (2-2). The Blaugrana player’s withdrawal was confirmed this Monday morning by the France team. And the latter continued with the announcement of another package, that of Dayot Upamecano, victim of a left hamstring injury.
Chelsea to the rescue
Didier Deschamps therefore called for reinforcements. Jean-Clair Todibo was summoned on Sunday, while Axel Disasi and his Chelsea friend, Malo Gusto, were also requisitioned on Monday. As a reminder, the France team will face the Netherlands next Friday, in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, before playing in a friendly on the 17th, against Scotland.
