World Cup winners with injury worries: France without several stars

In 2018 in Russia, France was the best team of the tournament and in 2022, the French are once again among the big favorites for the World Cup title. However, Didier Deschamps will be missing some of the key players from the last title win in Qatar.

Especially in central midfield, France has problems due to injuries. With Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté and Juventus’ Paul Pogba two key players are missing and it is difficult to predict how France will be able to cope with these absences.

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France in Group D at World Cup 2022

Date	Time (local)	Group	Stadium	Match	Result
Nov. 22	10 p.m.	D	al-Janoub	France – Australia
Nov. 26	7 p.m.	D	Stadium 974	France – Denmark
Nov. 30	6 p.m.	D	Education City	Tunisia – France

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Kanté possibly the world’s most combative defensive midfielder

N’Golo Kanté is an extremely important player for France’s national team, as well as for the Chelsea FC, who dominates the cemtral midfield and wins an enormous number of duels.

His fighting spirit will definitely be missed by the French and it is hard to believe that the highly talented but internationally inexperienced Aurelien Tchouameni can fill this role equally.

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Pogba’s absence hurts

Paul Pogba has been a key player in the French national team for a long time and can be considered as the man for the “special moments”. At times provocative and arrogant, the central midfielder can single-handedly decide games and would be important for the creativity in the French midfield.

However, the Juventus star will be out due to a long-term meniscus injury. His role could be filled by Fofana, Rabiot, Camavinga and Guendouzi, for example.

Aston Villa player also missing

Another potential starter for the defensive midfield is missing in Boubacar Kamara from Aston Villa, which further complicates the manpower shortage in the French centre.

The 22-year-old, who has only made three international appearances for France but has recently shown a significant leap in performance, is suffering from a knee injury and will also miss out on the World Cup.

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Substitute keeper stays at home

France’s second goalkeeper will also not travel to Qatar. AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan will miss the World Cup because of a torn calf muscle. But the situation in France’s goal is already clear-cut: The 35-year-old seasoned player Hugo Lloris will continue to protect the French goal at the World Cup.

Important players have minor injuries

In the centre back, important French players are still somewhat injured. Jules Koundé from Barcelona and Raphael Varane from Manchester United, who already played an important role in the 2018 World Cup on the way to winning the tournament, still have minor injuries that should, however, heal by the time the World Cup comes around.

The same applies to the world footballer Karim Benzema, who recently suffered from muscular problems.

France one of the top favorites for the title

Together with England and Brazil, France are among the biggest favourites to win the World Cup. If the French can pull off this coup, it would be the first time since Brazil’s title in 1962 that a nation could defend their title.

The French attack in particular is considered to be the best that will be on offer at the 2022 World Cup.

One tough group opponent and two underdogs

France’s toughest rivals in Group D are Denmark, who sensationally defeated the French twice in the UEFA Nations League. Against Australia and Tunisia, however, the favourite role is clearly assigned in favour of the French.

France will be aiming to win the group in order to avoid the risk of meeting Argentina in the round of the last 16.