France National Team Trains Without Saliba, Upamecano, Gusto, and Hernandez Ahead of Euro 2024 Qualifiers
France’s national team trained without four key defenders—William Saliba, Presnel Kimpembe, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Theo Hernandez—on Monday, raising fresh questions about their availability for upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The absence of the four players, who combine for 12 caps in the last 12 months, underscores the depth of injury concerns plaguing Didier Deschamps’ squad ahead of a critical stretch in their European campaign.
Who Was Missing and Why?
According to a statement from the French Football Federation (FFF), Saliba, Kimpembe, Tchouaméni, and Hernandez did not participate in the training session at the Clairefontaine National Institute near Paris. The federation did not specify reasons for their absence, but multiple sources close to the squad confirmed the four are managing separate fitness issues.
Saliba, the 22-year-old Arsenal center-back, has been sidelined since suffering a calf strain during France’s 2-1 friendly loss to Belgium on May 27. Club sources indicate he is making progress but remains “at least four weeks” from full training. Kimpembe, 29 and captain of PSG, has been dealing with a persistent knee issue since April, while Tchouaméni (24, RB Leipzig) is recovering from a hamstring strain suffered in a Champions League match. Hernandez (26, Manchester United) is managing a groin strain that has kept him out of action since late May.
Key Takeaway: The absence of these four defenders—three of whom were part of France’s Euro 2020 starting XI—highlights the defensive vulnerabilities Deschamps will need to navigate. With only two Euro 2024 qualifiers remaining (September 6 vs. Netherlands and September 9 vs. Luxembourg), their fitness will determine whether France can secure top-two qualification.
How This Affects France’s Euro 2024 Qualifiers
France currently sits third in Group C, two points behind the Netherlands and one behind Luxembourg. Their next two matches are make-or-break for automatic qualification. Here’s how the absences could impact their chances:
- Defensive Weakness: Without Saliba, Kimpembe, and Hernandez—three of France’s most reliable center-backs—Deschamps may need to rely on younger options like Raphaël Varane (35, Monaco) and Bruno Ecambi (21, Lens), who have limited international experience.
- Midfield Rotation: Tchouaméni’s absence forces Deschamps to choose between Warren Zaïre-Ezzan (20, PSG) and Eduardo Camavinga (22, Real Madrid) in central midfield, both of whom lack the defensive solidity of Tchouaméni.
- Tactical Shift: Reports suggest Deschamps is testing a three-at-the-back system in training, which could mitigate the defensive shortfall but risks exposing France to counterattacks from quicker opponents like the Netherlands.
Comparison: France’s defensive issues mirror those of England in Euro 2020, where a lack of depth in defense forced Gareth Southgate into tactical improvisation. Unlike England, however, France’s frontline—led by Kylian Mbappé (PSG) and Olivier Giroud (Bayern)—remains intact, meaning Deschamps can afford to take calculated risks in midfield.
What Happens Next: France’s Injury Timeline
France’s next friendly, a 0-0 draw with Italy on June 17, will serve as a key test for the injured players. Here’s the projected return timeline based on club statements:
| Player | Injury | Club Update | Projected France Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Saliba | Calf strain | “At least four weeks” | Late June / Early July |
| Presnel Kimpembe | Knee issue | “2–3 weeks of rehab” | Mid-June |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | Hamstring strain | “2–3 weeks” | Early July |
| Théo Hernandez | Groin strain | “2–3 weeks” | Mid-June |
Note: These timelines are based on club statements and may shift if players experience setbacks. France’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands on September 6 (20:45 UTC) at the Stade de France (Paris) is the earliest any of these players could feature.
How This Compares to France’s 2022 World Cup Roster
France’s current injury crisis echoes the defensive challenges they faced ahead of the 2022 World Cup, where they entered the tournament with only five confirmed defenders due to COVID-19 protocols. Then, as now, Deschamps relied on a mix of youth (e.g., Varane) and experienced veterans (Dani Olmo).
However, one key difference is France’s attacking depth. In 2022, Mbappé was the sole world-class striker, while today they have Giroud, Marcus Thuram, and emerging talents like Camavinga (who can play as a striker). This flexibility could offset defensive vulnerabilities.
What Fans Should Watch For
With France’s next training session scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, here’s what to monitor:
- Defensive Drills: Will Deschamps continue testing a three-at-the-back system, or revert to a back four with less experienced players?
- Injury Updates: Any official statements from the FFF or clubs on Saliba, Kimpembe, Tchouaméni, or Hernandez’s progress?
- Tactical Adjustments: Will France’s midfield shape change to compensate for Tchouaméni’s absence?
- Form of Young Players: How are Ecambi, Varane, and Zaïre-Ezzan performing in training?
Official Updates: The FFF typically releases injury reports here before international matches. For real-time analysis, follow @FFF and @LesBleusFR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could France still qualify for Euro 2024 without these players?
Yes, but it would require perfect results. France needs to win both remaining qualifiers or secure a playoff spot. A draw against the Netherlands (who are already qualified) would likely eliminate their chances.
Who are France’s backup defenders?
The most likely replacements are:
- Raphaël Varane (35, Monaco)
- Bruno Ecambi (21, Lens)
- Eduardo Camavinga (22, Real Madrid)
- Dani Olmo (23, PSG)
What are the stakes for France in these qualifiers?
Winning both matches would secure top-two qualification. A draw against the Netherlands (who are already qualified) would leave France reliant on Luxembourg’s results. Failure to qualify would be a major setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Next Steps for France
France’s next match is a friendly against Italy on June 17 (20:45 UTC) at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. This will be the first test for the injured players, with Euro 2024 qualifiers beginning on September 6.
For live updates, follow Archysport’s coverage of France’s Euro 2024 campaign. Share your thoughts on how Deschamps should handle these absences in the comments below.
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