Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy have withdrawn from the French national team’s training camp due to injuries. The duo’s absence comes ahead of France’s crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Belgium. Coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the news on Monday, explaining that both players had sustained injuries during their recent club match.
Tchouameni, a 24-year-old defensive midfielder, is sidelined with a foot injury. He played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Sunday, a match in which he completed the full 90 minutes despite the issue. His absence leaves a significant void in the French midfield, particularly given his consistent performances both at the club and international levels.
Ferland Mendy, 29, also started in Real Madrid’s win but was forced to leave the pitch in the second half due to a shin injury. Mendy’s role as a left-back has been crucial for both Real Madrid and the French national team, making his injury a considerable setback for Deschamps as he prepares his squad for the upcoming matches.
đ @MatteoGuendouzi remplace @atchouameni, blessĂ© au pied gauche.
đ Le joueur de la Lazio Rome est attendu demain Ă Clairefontaine.
Bon rĂ©tablissement AurĂ©lien đ#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/xGcYILemxn
— Equipe de France ââ (@equipedefrance) September 2, 2024
In response to these injuries, Deschamps has called up Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne as replacements. Guendouzi, known for his versatility and dynamic presence in midfield, brings energy and a strong work ethic to the squad. His recent performances in Serie A have earned him praise, and he will be keen to make an impact on the international stage.
Lucas Digne, a seasoned left-back with extensive experience in the English Premier League and international football, steps in to fill the gap left by Mendy. Digne’s defensive capabilities and ability to contribute to the attack make him a valuable addition to the squad. His familiarity with the French national team setup and previous experience under Deschamps should ease the transition as he joins the team ahead of these important fixtures.
France is set to face Italy on Friday at the Parc des Princes in Paris, a match that promises to be a test of their depth and resilience. Italy, the reigning European champions, will provide a stern challenge for Deschamps’ side, particularly in the absence of key players like Tchouameni and Mendy. The French team will need to rely on the experience of players like Guendouzi and Digne to maintain their momentum in the Nations League.
Following the clash with Italy, France will travel to Lyon to take on Belgium three days later. Belgium, consistently ranked among the top teams in the world, presents another formidable opponent. Deschamps will need to carefully manage his squad to ensure that they can cope with the physical and tactical demands of back-to-back high-profile matches.
