France 'to face Qatari side Al Gharafa' 24 hours after Australia win

France ‘will take on Qatari side Al Gharafa in a friendly’ just 24 HOURS after rampant 4-1 win over Australia… with Didier Deschamps eager for those not involved to get some action (despite FOUR players already being forced to pull out injured!)

  • France have reportedly organised a friendly against Qatari side Al Gharafa
  • Didier Deschamps is said to be keen on minutes for those who sat Tuesday out
  • Four players have already pulled out through injury, which makes game strange 
  • MATCH REPORT: Olivier Giroud strikes twice as France roll over Australia 
  • WORLD CUP LIVE BLOG: Follow all the latest news and updates from Qatar

France have reportedly taken the bizarre move of arranging a friendly – just 24 hours after their 4-1 win over Australia at the World Cup.

The deadline has now passed to call up additional players and with France having already had four pull out – Lucas Hernandez the most recent after he went off against Australia – and so there has been a feeling around France of wrapping players up to prevent further casualties. 

But that appears not to be the case with RMC Sport detailing that boss Didier Deschamps has arranged a friendly with Qatari first division side Al Gharafa on Wednesday night.

France’s peripheral players are reportedly set to play a friendly on Wednesday night in Qatar

Those not involved in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Australia will reportedly feature in the friendly

Al Gharafa are currently fourth in the QNB Stars League and would provide opposition for a competitive fixture that differs from regular training. 

France appear keen to keep those on the periphery of the squad sharp and the RMC report details how the match is only for those not involved against Australia. 

That would include players such as William Saliba, of Arsenal, Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid and ex-Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. 

It is reported that another opposition for a friendly is to be organised following their second group game against Denmark, who drew their first group match 0-0 with Tunisia.

It is difficult for French fans not to be concerned about the risk of more injuries, however, after seeing Hernandez’s tournament ended.

Arsenal defender William Saliba is one of those expected to be handed the chance at minutes

France’s Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a ruptured ACL 

The Bayern Munich defender was forced off just 13 minutes into his World Cup debut after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia. 

He becomes France’s fourth player to be withdrawn from Didier Deschamps’ side, after Presnel Kimpembe, Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema all were ruled out through injury.

In reaction to the news, Deschamps said: ‘Like the whole group, players and staff, I am extremely sorry for Lucas. 

‘We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt that he will do everything possible to return to the game. first plan. 

‘I know him well, courage, he will have it, that’s for sure. On behalf of the group, I wish him the best possible recovery.’

Karim Benzema (pictured), Christopher Nkunku and Presnel Kimpembe have previously been withdrawn from the squad, leading to concerns that extra games would be a mistake


Share this article

Source: Read Full Article