Tchouameni doubtful for France-Morocco, Koné ready to deputise in quarter-final

Aurélien Tchouameni is set to miss out for France once again. Injured in the thigh during Friday’s training session, the Real Madrid midfielder risks not being fit in time for the quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday.

Originally estimated at four days, his absence could ultimately extend beyond the match. The player continues to receive treatment, and a medical test is scheduled for Wednesday, on the eve of the encounter. When questioned after the victory against Paraguay, Tchouameni himself was evasive: “We’ll see.” No risks will be taken with an eye to a potential semi-final scheduled for 14 July.

Should the France vice-captain be ruled out, Manu Koné would partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Didier Deschamps’ assistant, Guy Stephan, was keen to reassure on the profile of the former Bordeaux player: “Manu Koné has many qualities in ball recovery, he is capable of using the ball well. He’s a different profile, who has already played with us in the World Cup and in previous matches, he’s a quality player with a different profile.”

Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram, who suffered a calf injury early in the competition, is on the road to recovery. The striker confined himself to individual drills on Sunday alongside fitness coach Cyril Moine, but should be fit to face the Lions of the Atlas. For the rest of the squad, the match against Paraguay — despite being marked by numerous fouls and unsporting conduct — left no other physical traces.