The World Cup is fast approaching. In a little over a month, the United States, Canada and Mexico will vibrate to the rhythm of football during the 23rd edition of the World Cup, the first in history to bring together 48 selections. Africa will be represented by ten nations, including Côte d’Ivoire.
But a few weeks before the tournament, the Elephants are holding their breath for Franck Kessié. The Ivorian captain, aged 29 (99 caps, 14 goals), was injured Wednesday evening during the 31st day of the Saudi championship. Holder with Al-Ahli, the midfielder had to leave his partners in the 32nd minute of play.
A particularly worrying scene on D-34 of the start of the World Cup. For the moment, the Jeddah club has not communicated any official information concerning the nature or seriousness of the injury to its executive. This silence fuels concern among Ivorian supporters, as Franck Kessié remains an essential element of Emerse Faé’s system. Author of a solid season with more than 40 matches played, 12 goals and 4 assists under the colors of the Green and White, the former AC Milan player nevertheless approaches this final straight with uncertainty.
A friendly against France
Ivory Coast will launch its global campaign on the night of June 14 to 15 against Ecuador in Philadelphia, in Group E. The Elephants will then challenge Germany on June 20 in Toronto before returning to Philadelphia to face Curaçao on the last day of the group stage.
Before that, the 2023 African champions will play two preparation matches with a shock against France on June 4 in Nantes, then probably a meeting against Iraq on June 8. Emerse Faé’s list is expected in the coming days, with in particular doubts about the presence of Franck Kessié.
