A terrible blow for the player and the French team. 48 hours before the start of the Euro handball tournament, which takes place from January 15 to February 1 in Scandinavia, the Blues learned this Tuesday that they will have to present themselves without their center half – and natural leader – Nedim Remili. Injured in the left calf, he was forced to withdraw at the last minute.
First injured in the left thigh, and absent from the final preparation matches of the French team last weekend, Remili was nevertheless part of the group of 18 players called up by Guillaume Gille on Monday before the entry into contention of the reigning European champions against the Czech Republic on Thursday (6 p.m.) in Oslo, Norway.
“I’m fine, we’re in the recovery phase, the goal is that the little glitches don’t last for the duration of the competition,” the 30-year-old center half (150 caps) himself assured the press.
But following pain felt in the left calf, emergency examinations showed “an acute injury against indicating his participation in the Euro”, the French team doctor said in a press release from the French Handball Federation.
“Nedim’s package is anything but trivial, given his experience and his impact in the game,” regretted Guillaume Gille, who chose to reinstate Aix en Provence left-back Aymeric Zaepfel (three caps) into the group.
The Veszprem player leaves with him 10 years of experience in the French team, punctuated by titles in all major competitions (Olympics, World Cup, Euro) including the last at Euro 2024 where he was elected best player of the tournament.
Subsequently, he experienced a failed Paris Olympic Games before slightly raising his head at the 2025 World Cup where the French snatched the bronze medal, and during which his teammate Aymeric Minne took on more responsibilities.
The 28-year-old from Nantes (49 caps), a major element of the “H”, should be even more highlighted during the next major event, he who has not always had happy days in Blue between injury before the 2023 World Cup and absence at Euro 2024.
“I wish you good luck on the dawn of something great”
Known for his explosiveness, he already did the job against Austria and Iceland last weekend, in the absence of Remili, who was left to rest.
“He was perfect in his organization, his way of setting the pace, of being dangerous, of making his team play,” underlined his coach on Monday.
“Guys, we worked hard to be in the best conditions,” Remili said in a press release. I wish you good luck as you approach something great. I will be with you from a long way away but I wish you lots of happiness and joy in looking for her. And for the newbies, enjoy your first! Stay together and fight! »
