FIFA World Cup 2022 | France struck by chilly virus forward of World Cup closing

France’s Adrien Rabiot (left) and Dayot Upamecano have fun after the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between England and France, on the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Rabiot and Upamecano had been remoted earlier this week and didn’t play in France’s 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco resulting from a chilly virus that ran by way of the France squad.
| Picture Credit score: AP

A chilly virus is working by way of the France squad forward of the World Cup closing towards Argentina on Sunday, affecting no less than three gamers within the squad.

Coach Didier Deschamps mentioned two gamers with signs, defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot, had been remoted earlier this week and didn’t play in France’s 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco.

Rabiot wasn’t within the lineup in Wednesday’s match at Al Bayt stadium. Upamecano was within the lineup as an alternative however did not play. Deschamps mentioned Upamecano was recovering from “three difficult days” since taking part in within the quarterfinals towards England on Saturday.

“However, we have four days until the next game, so he should be available for Sunday,” the coach mentioned, including back-up winger Kingsley Coman had additionally felt feverish.

He insisted he expects all his gamers to be wholesome for the ultimate towards Argentina.

“It’s ’flu season now, and in that sense, we have to be careful,” he said. “And also, the players have put in a huge shift and their immune system might be a little run down.”

France has been coaching outdoor in Qatar and Deschamps famous the “use of air conditioners may also affect” how the virus is circulating, echoing feedback earlier within the match from the Brazil camp.

Seven of the eight World Cup stadiums cool the air at area stage whereas interiors of buildings and transport in Qatar are routinely air-conditioned.

Switzerland additionally had an outbreak of heavy colds and had two starters lacking for a decisive group-stage sport towards Serbia.

The daytime warmth has settled at round 25-27 Celsius (77-81 Fahrenheit) for the ultimate week of the month-long match which began with temperatures within the low-30s (excessive 80s).

The primary World Cup to be performed in November and December was moved from the standard scheduling in June and July when temperatures in Qatar routinely rise above 40 C (104 F)

“The temperatures have dropped in the last few days, and you always need to be careful,” Deschamps mentioned. “Regarding the virus, we’re not worried, really.”