For several weeks, Didier Deschamps has seen physical problems arise from certain executives and new entrants on his list. As the French team prepares for a decisive year in 2026, a new player has just joined the infirmary. The coach, already deprived of several elements in recent months, is observing the situation with concern while awaiting the final medical examinations.
Manu Koné affected: what impact for the Blues?
The player in question is none other than Manu Koné, injured Thursday evening during the Europa League match between Roma and Midtjylland. Lined up from the start by Gasperini, the French midfielder only lasted twenty-eight minutes before requesting a change. A few moments earlier, the former Toulouse player had suffered a heavy entry from Diao on his right ankle. Despite attempting to continue, he eventually sat on the ground, grimacing, before being substituted to applause at the Stadio Olimpico.
First aid, with ice placed on the malleolus, did not allay the concerns. Roma have yet to determine whether it is a simple contusion trauma or a more troublesome sprain. While waiting for the exams, his presence against Naples this weekend already seems very compromised.
A hard blow for Deschamps? Not really
For Didier Deschamps, this injury comes at the wrong time. Koné had established himself as a credible option in the French rotation, notably thanks to his solid performances during the September and October rallies. With 12 caps, his last during the big victory against Ukraine (4-0) where he played 80 minutes, the midfielder seemed to be gaining in importance.
The positive dynamic is therefore slowed down, even if the coach can put things into perspective: the Blues will not play again before next March. Koné thus benefits from several weeks to treat his ankle, get back into rhythm and apply for a new call-up when the France team enters its home stretch before the 2026 World Cup.
In the meantime, Roma hopes to quickly recover a player who has become essential in Gasperini’s system. For Deschamps, the concern is temporary, but this new episode reminds us to what extent the physical stability of the group will be a major issue in 2026.
