France Squad for the World Cup final destabilized as 5 France players contract virus

With five players apparently out with a virus for their World Cup final match against Argentina, France may suffer a setback.

WHAT TRANSPIRED?: Didier Deschamps blamed the persistent use of air conditioning at stadia in Qatar after Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot were unable to play in the semi-final match against Morocco due to illness. Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane, and Ibrahima Konate have all now been added to this list after contracting the same infection; the latter is believed to be suffering the most.

THE BROAD VIEW: According to reports, in order to prevent spread of the illness, the rest of the camp has reportedly been urged to use hand sanitizer and engage in social seclusion. There have been rumors that the disease was developed during the quarterfinal match versus England, but these rumors have no basis, and the air conditioning is more likely to blame.

WHAT’S NEXT?: Regardless of the reason, Deschamps’ team will defend their world championship in less than two days, thus the news is the worst possible preparation. Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni were reportedly unable to workout on Friday owing to hip and knee issues, respectively. This only made matters worse for France.

While rumors about France’s potential lineup for Sunday’s highly anticipated final versus Argentina continue to float about, an announcement from France is anticipated later on Friday.