Following the illness of two additional crucial players, Ousmane Dembele says France is “taking precautions” ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
Due to a sickness virus in the camp, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano were absent for Les Blues’ 2-0 semi-final victory over Morocco on Wednesday.
Kingsley Coman, who had a fever the day of the game, and Rabiot were both left off the roster, and Upamecano served as an unused substitute.
It’s believed that both Upamecano and Rabiot have fully healed in time for this weekend’s championship game at Lusail Stadium.
Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate, two central defenders, reportedly trained separately from the team on Friday after becoming ill, according to numerous sources.
Two days before the final, Aurelien Tchouameni and Theo Hernandez are rumored to have missed the entire session while they heal from minor ailments.
𝐴 𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚… 💭
We’re 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 for the second time in a row 🤯💫#FRAMAR | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/hYK0LGOuSA
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) December 15, 2022
Despite potentially losing more players to illness and injury, Dembele insists France are not overly concerned at this stage.
“It doesn’t worry us,” he said at a news conference on Friday. “With Dayot, after a day I went to see him with my mask on and he was much better.
“For the players and the staff, it doesn’t worry us, we are just taking precautions.
“We are not afraid of the virus. Dayot and Adrien had headaches and stomach aches. I made them honey and ginger tea. We hope everyone will be better for the final.”
France are already without the likes of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez and Christopher Nkunku through injury.
Les Blues are aiming to become just the third ever side to retain the trophy, while Argentina are seeking a first world crown in 36 years.