Surprise entry by Denmark, the France team is looking for answers for its second League of Nations match against Croatia on Monday (8:45 p.m.) in Split, an unprecedented destination for Blues diminished and forced to reshuffle their eleven of departure. After the misstep against the Danes (2-1), Friday in Saint-Denis, France cannot afford another mishap at the heart of a June rally which serves as preparation for the 2022 World Cup .
First of all, it has a title to defend in this second-tier event. However, a new setback would very seriously complicate his chances of qualifying for the “Final 4”. The group of Blues, affordable on paper, suddenly seems much more raised, especially since the convincing success of Austria in Croatia (3-0) during the first day.
Mbappé hit in the knee
The Blues will be deprived of the leader of their rearguard, Raphaël Varane, injured in the left thigh, forfeited for the end of the camp and replaced by the novice Ibrahima Konaté. Coach Didier Deschamps, back in charge after four days of absence for a family bereavement, will have to settle this thorny case while keeping in mind another major constraint: the pain in the left knee felt by Kylian Mbappé, the another attacking star. Reduced by a blow since Wednesday, the Parisian had to give up his place at halftime on Friday and it seems unlikely to see him evolve on the lawn of the Poljud stadiumwhere 31,000 spectators are expected.
Five players from the France team, including Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, have in any case been exempted from training on Sunday. Mbappe “has a small problem due to a contusion that is not irreparable”, said coach Didier Deschamps at a press conference, without saying if the player was forfeited. The N.2 goalkeeper of the France team, Mike Maignan, will start, replacing captain Hugo Lloris, also announced the coach, who will entrust the armband to Presnel Kimpembe.
A revamped defense?
The most scrutinized adjustments will concern the defense, with an opening for William Saliba in place of Varane, and a card to play for Benjamin Pavard. On the sides, Jonathan Clauss and Lucas Digne offer two credible alternatives to Kingsley Coman and Theo Hernandez, disappointing against the Danes.