France are set to face Ukraine in their upcoming World Cup qualifier on September 5, at Wrocław Stadium, in Poland.
France, along with Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Iceland, has been sorted into Group D for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Now, ahead of their opening match, France have reportedly suffered an injury blow as they would probably be left without Ousmane Dembele against Ukraine.
Dembele, who picked up a hamstring issue during Paris Saint-Germain’s 6-3 win against Toulouse in Ligue 1 last week, was absent from the national team’s closed-door training session at Clairefontaine on Wednesday and worked out individually, according to L'Equipe.
In Dembele’s absence, France national boss Didier Deschamps is expected to rely on Desire Doue and Maghnes Akliouche for the right-wing role against Ukraine, with reports suggesting that tactical drills in Wednesday’s training session mainly emphasized on passing structures and wing rotations.
What's next for France and Ousmane Dembele?
Dembele, being sidelined for the upcoming qualifying match, is a concern for Deschamps, considering the 28-year-old star’s impeccable form and contribution that would have given a great boost to the French attack line.
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Following France’s disheartening loss against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, Deschamps and his squad will be looking to start off strong on their way to the competition next year.
A swift recovery could see Dembele, who has registered seven goals and four assists in 56 matches for his nation, return to action in France’s second qualifier against Iceland in Parc des Princes.