Tchouameni likely out against Morocco, three other France players also sidelined

Aurélien Tchouameni is expected to miss France’s quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday due to an adductor injury sustained the day before the Paraguay match. The Real Madrid midfielder only resumed individual running during Monday’s session, and his return to team training is not expected until Wednesday at the earliest, the eve of the match.

The timing appears too tight to consider his participation. “Aurélien is continuing his protocol. He will resume individual work on Monday and Tuesday,” confirmed assistant Guy Stephan at a press conference. A final decision is not expected before Wednesday, but the French staff intends to take no risks, especially as Manu Koné fully impressed in his absence against Paraguay.

Tchouameni was not the only absentee during Monday’s session. William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot were also spared and remained in treatment. Good news on the other hand: Marcus Thuram has returned to training and should be available to face the Lions of the Atlas.

This quarter-final is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, won by France against Morocco (2-0). The match takes place Thursday, in an already tense context following racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator following the group match.