France are moving toward their round-of-16 clash against Paraguay, but Didier Deschamps still does not have all his weapons available. Two days before the match, Marcus Thuram remains away from the group.
Thuram is still sidelined before Paraguay. Les Bleus are keeping their spirits up, but the staff must deal with this uncertainty. Nursing a calf issue, the forward has not yet returned to full team training. According to L’Équipe, he only completed a bike session on Wednesday, proof that his comeback is not imminent.
Thuram remains doubtful for France
His presence against Paraguay therefore remains uncertain. In a knockout match, France could be without an extra attacking option, even if competition is already fierce up front. With Olise, Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Cherki and Mateta, Marcus Thuram was not guaranteed major playing time anyway. But in a World Cup, every option matters, especially when matches can swing very quickly.
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Didier Deschamps and his staff are therefore monitoring his progress closely. There is no question of taking the slightest risk with a calf injury, an area that is always tricky to manage in such an intense tournament. The good news comes from N’Golo Kanté, who completed the full team session with no apparent discomfort, enough to reassure Les Bleus before facing Paraguay, even if the French squad is not yet fully complete.
Still, DD is not expected to reinvent the wheel for this round of 16. In all likelihood, France will field the same starting XI as against Sweden. France’s probable lineup: Maignan – Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – O. Dembélé, Olise, Barcola – Mbappé (cap.).
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