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Tchouameni ruled out against Iraq with adductor injury, Koné steps in

Hampered by an adductor problem, Aurélien Tchouameni missed France's second match against Iraq (3-0). His replacement Manu Koné delivered a convincing midfield performance.

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Tchouameni ruled out against Iraq with adductor injury, Koné steps in
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Aurélien Tchouameni missed France’s second match in the competition on Monday evening in Philadelphia due to an adductor problem. Les Bleus won 3-0 against Iraq and top their group ahead of Norway.

Absent from training since Sunday, the Real Madrid midfielder was not selected by Didier Deschamps, who did not want to take any risks. According to the player’s entourage, his absence was more of a precautionary measure: Tchouameni could have come on if the match situation had required it.

To compensate for his absence, the manager paired Manu Koné with Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Deschamps had also made three changes compared to the opening match against Senegal, with Bradley Barcola and Lucas Digne replacing Désiré Doué and Théo Hernandez on the left flank.

Despite a prolonged stoppage at half-time due to storms around Philadelphia, Les Bleus controlled the game. Koné seized his opportunity. “I am very proud of this victory and satisfied with my individual performance. I hope the coach and my teammates are too, that’s what matters most,” said the AS Roma midfielder after the match.

Tchouameni’s availability for the rest of the competition remains uncertain, although signals from his entourage are reassuring.

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