Concern around Benzema, Maignan more reassuring: a list full of questions for the Blues of Didier Deschamps

Less than two weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, the coaches of the various qualified nations are gradually revealing their list of 23 to 26 names. Brazil, Japan and Switzerland have already revealed their selection, while in Belgium, Roberto Martinez will announce his list Thursday noon. And Didier Deschamps will reveal his selection for the World Cup this Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. live on TF1 news.

The defending champions are among the favorites for the world title. But Deschamps has to rack his brains to put together his list. According to Le Figaro, the coach and his staff met all day Tuesday in a hotel to put the selection down on paper. Already, the French press doubts that the former Marseillais announces 26 players. Not in favor of expanding the list, Deschamps should still take 24 or 25 names. The reason ? The many uncertainties at the level of the workforce.

In an interview last week, Didier Deschamps was very clear: a player still injured for the first match will not be selected (against Australia on November 22). “I’ve never embarked with an injured player for a major competition. Going to a major competition with players who are not fit already takes up too much attention and monopolizes the medical staff too much. I therefore consider that ‘you have to leave with valid players’detailed the coach of the Blues at Brut.

There is indeed a lot of concern about the players. The midfield is already decimated with the official packages of Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kanté.

A defense to remodel

But the other sectors of play are not more varnished among the Blues. If captain Hugo Lloris will indeed be available in goal, the participation of Mike Maignan is not yet assured. The AC Milan goalkeeper has been injured since mid-September and is still not recovered. But according to RMC Sport, Maignan should be part of the list. In private, he was confident about his place in the list would have reassured the staff of the Blues.

In central defense too, injuries must give Didier Deschamps headaches. If they are not yet officially announced packages, the physical glitches of Raphael Varane (which would be back on its feet according to The Team) and Presnel Kimpembe are not in order to reassure a defensive line which has not always been the most reliable in recent months, especially in the League of Nations.

Concerns that would push Deschamps to change the system, returning to a four-man defense. Which would not be good news for the Marseillais Jonathan Clauss, right piston. Especially since the former Lensois is not making a great start to the season and has not ensured during his last selections with the French team. This would also apply to Ferland Mendy, whose place would be taken by Lucas Digne, for whom the medical staff is reassured, according to L’Équipe. The Real Madrid full-back failed to score points in the game against Denmark and is set to pay dearly for it.

Injured in the hamstring, Jules Koundé has already recovered and will be part of the selection along with Pavard and the Hernandez brothers.

Benzema will be there but in what condition?

In front of either the bad luck does not spare the Blues: since he received the Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema started only one meeting (against Elche, two days after his coronation), playing only 26 minutes since then. The striker is plagued by several muscular problems and is again not taken up with Real Madrid for the meeting against Cadiz. He should therefore not play again before the start of the World Cup since France has not scheduled any friendly match before the start of the group stage. The Team nevertheless announces that Benzema “feels better and he should be ready against Australia.” But anyway, it’s not the best way to arrive in shape at the World Cup.

“For the first match, the players must be healed. This is the most important aspect. Secondly, we will assess the athletic condition. This second condition can only exist if the first is guaranteed”, explained Deschamps to our colleagues. de Brut on how he will make his selection with the injuries, “It all depends on the length of the stoppage, the number of games they have been able to do between their injury and when they will join us. The third aspect is competition for the position”.

The message is clear and Benzema is essential to his position provided he is fit for the day. We will therefore know more about the state of health of the uncertain in a few hours when Deschamps will mention their name… or not. Answer at 8 p.m….