FIGARO INFO – The coach and his staff are still thinking this Wednesday about the last options before revealing the list for the World Cup in the TF1 8 p.m. newspaper.
It is time to decide. Tuesday throughout the day in a hotel in Paris, Didier Deschamps and his staff met to further refine the list of Blues for the World Cup (November 20-December 18). Ditto this Wednesday at the headquarters of the FFF for the last arbitrations. Several things should be remembered.
In the face of many uncertainties due to the physical glitches of certain elements, an expanded group of 26 could be called. Initially, “DD” did not want so many players, but the current constraints force him to think about it.
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Subject of the staff since Tuesday due to his Achilles tendon injury with PSG, Presnel Kimpembe will be on the list. The decision was confirmed late Wednesday morning. The Parisian, captain of the Blues in Croatia last June, joins the certain starters that are the brothers Hernandez, Koundé, Pavard. Ditto for Raphael Varane. For the remaining places, the profiles of Saliba, Upamecano, but also Konaté. At the left-back position, the fight rages between Lucas Digne and Ferland Mendy, whose versatility appeals to the staff.
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As goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris and Alphonse Areola will be there, unsurprisingly, and the latest news is also reassuring for Mike Maignan. The AC Milan goalkeeper has done everything for several weeks to be part of the adventure. It is not impossible for the staff to call Steve Mandanda to compensate for the possible relapse of the former Lille goalkeeper.
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The coach has also been thinking for several weeks of a possible return to a four-man defense, which condemns Jonathan Clauss, specialist at the right piston position and present in the last three lists. Information provided by the Parisian which we can confirm.
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In the middle, Tchouaméni, Rabiot and Fofana are certain starters, there are still trade-offs to be made between Guendouzi, Camavinga, Kamara and Veretout, even Ndombélé. Four for two places. A real arbitration because of the packages of the two leaders that were Kanté and Pogba.
In front, the staff was reassured by the latest feedback around Karim Benzema, still forfeited with Real Madrid this Thursday against Cadiz due to pain in his left thigh. The rest is clearer. Mbappé, Benzema, Griezmann, Coman, Dembélé, Nkunku and Giroud will be there. Verdict this Wednesday evening around 8:20 p.m.
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