Didier Deschamps got some tough news just hours before the Paraguay vs France match.
Didier Deschamps has just been hit with some bad news as one of his key players gets injured right before France’s big World Cup match against Paraguay.
France easily made it to the last 16 with a strong 3-0 win over Sweden, thanks to more amazing plays from Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe scored two goals again, making it his third time scoring twice in this World Cup. He now has six goals, just behind Lionel Messi, who has seven.
The 27-year-old star will be hoping to shine again on Saturday as France aims for a quarter-final spot. But he’ll have to do it without his teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. According to L’Equipe, Tchouameni won’t play against Paraguay because of a thigh injury, and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for future games.
Tchouameni left training on Friday feeling pain, and an MRI showed a small injury that needs some rest. If France moves on to the quarter-finals on July 9, he might miss that game too, even though he started every match so far.
Manu Kone is expected to fill in for Tchouameni and will likely team up with Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Even without Tchouameni, it’s hard to see France losing to Paraguay, who surprisingly beat Germany in a penalty shootout to get here.
With Mbappe’s incredible skills leading the way, plus strong support from players like Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola, France’s attack looks really tough to beat.
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Still, the match in Philadelphia could be France’s biggest challenge yet. The weather will be near record heat at Lincoln Financial Field, making it one of the hottest World Cup games ever. Temperatures could reach 100°F (38°C), close to a record set 60 years ago.
On top of that, there’s a chance of storms during the game. Deschamps is ready for the tough weather. “I was with the assistant coach at the Club World Cup finals and semis,” he said. “It was hot, and it did have an impact. Extreme heat or cold isn’t ideal for players, but we didn’t choose it, so we adapt and prepare.”
If France beats Paraguay, they’ll face either Canada or Morocco in the quarter-finals.