Deschamps is optimistic that Upamecano and Rabiot, who missed the game against Morocco due to flu, will be fit to face Argentina
By Kehinde Okeowo
France boss, Didier Deschamps, has said his players are taking necessary precautions against the spread of a virus ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
Two of France’s first-team regulars, Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot missed the 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco on Wednesday night with sickness.
Although Deschamps is optimistic both players will be fit for the final, he has revealed the duo initially isolated from others for fear of infecting the rest of the team.
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Against Morocco, French defender, Upamecano, was eventually named on the bench as a substitute, but Rabiot did not make the squad as he stayed back at the team’s hotel.
Many visitors in Qatar have also struggled with Middle East respiratory syndrome, which can cause a flu-like illness ranging in severity.
“We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms. We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously, their immune systems suffer,” Deschamps said.