BOTH of France’s starting centre-backs have been affected by the virus that has ripped through their squad just two days before the World Cup final, with Varane and Konate now ill and CLIMATE blamed
By Ian Ladyman for MailOnline
Posted: 13:17, December 16, 2022 | Updated: 14:15, December 16, 2022
French defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahim Konate are the latest players to succumb to the ‘flu virus sweeping the defending champions ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
Manchester United’s Varane and Liverpool defender Konate starred as Didier Deschamps’ side beat Morocco on Wednesday night to set up this weekend’s final clash with Argentina.
However, it is understood that both players woke up with mild cold and flu symptoms on Friday morning and will now be isolated and monitored for the next 24 hours.
Raphael Varane is battling illness ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina
Varane’s centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate also fell ill before the final
EXPLANATION OF THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE
Air conditioner disease can occur when there is poor ventilation in the building and there are bacteria in that particular area.
Air conditioning can spread bacteria, leading to cold-causing viruses being picked up by people in the area.
Another defender, Dayot Upamecano, and midfielder Adrien Rabiot fell ill earlier this week and missed the semi-final. Back-up winger Kingsley Coman is also ill.
France coach Didier Deschamps explained the situation on Thursday, telling reporters: “Comman had a fever this morning. “We have had several cases of flu-like symptoms. We’re trying to make sure it doesn’t spread.
“The players have put in a lot of effort on the field and obviously their immune systems have suffered.
“Dayot Upamecano felt bad immediately after the match against England. It happens when you stress yourself out so much that you are more likely to get these viruses. We are taking all necessary precautions.
The French camp brought down the disease of air conditioning in Qatar.
They are not the first team to complain about this, as Brazil’s Antoni raised the issue and the impact it had on his side earlier in the tournament.
Meanwhile, fans have also complained about air conditioning in stadiums, revealing they have had to wear sweaters to keep warm when attending matches.
Adrien Rabiot (left) and Dayot Upamecano (right) missed France semi-final due to illness
Just days after supporters raised concerns about the air conditioning, it was confirmed that World Cup chiefs had switched it off an hour before England’s group game against the USA, which ended in a dismal goalless draw.
Several England players complained afterwards that it was too hot in the stadium during the match.
Deschamps now faces an anxious wait to see if Varane and Konate will recover in time with the final just 48 hours away.
Didier Deschamps faces an anxious wait to see if Varane and Konate will be fit for Sunday
If the two are unable to get on the pitch, that could see Upamecano return, while Arsenal’s William Saliba would be another option.
Jules Kounde could also move inside after playing at right-back in Qatar, but this is likely to result in a major reshuffle at the back, with either Benjamin Pawar or Axel Disasi coming in at full-back.
There has been talk of a return to the France squad for striker Karim Benzema after the injured Ballon d’Or winger returned to fitness. This has not yet been confirmed or denied by the French Football Federation.
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