The mystery virus that hit France’s squad ahead of the World Cup final is showing no signs of slowing down, as it appears two new players have caught the bug.
As per multiple reports, both Rafael Varane and Ibrahima Konate were unwell and missed training on Friday. France coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday that the winger had a fever, following which Kingsley Coman was also ruled out.
good news for blues As did Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot, who both missed Wednesday’s semi-final win over Morocco after falling ill, were able to return to training.
Still, the news that Verne and Konate, the two centre-backs who started against Morocco, were ill will be a major concern for Deschamps two days before Sunday’s final against Argentina.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, France forward Ousmane Dembele insisted his team are not worried about the virus. Dembele is also doing his part to help his teammates recover, giving Upamecano and Rabiot some old-fashioned treatment.
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“We are not afraid of that virus,” Dembele’s Told. “Dayot and Adrien got a little stomachache; I made them ginger and honey tea and they felt better. I hope everyone is ready for the final.
“Dayot has gotten better, and I think everyone will be ready. We are taking precautions. The first day, Dayot stayed in his room and we brought him food, and he came back the next day with everyone else.”
Randall Kolo Muani, who scored in the semi-final with his first touch of the game, said France has been diligent in isolating sick players.
“People who are sick stay in their rooms, they are being looked after by doctors and we are enforcing social distancing. We are very strict about it,” he said.
