The French national team is being plagued by a cold virus in the lead-up to the start of the Euros, various media in France report. Head coach Didier Deschamps and Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman are said to be the hardest hit.
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Every Euro participant seems to be facing some issues. It is not as severe as the situation with the Netherlands, who urgently called up Ian Maatsen and Joshua Zirkzee after the withdrawals of Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners, and Brian Brobbey's hamstring problems. However, the lead-up to the first group match against Austria on Monday is not going smoothly for the Dutch team's opponent either.
Since arriving at the base camp in Germany, several members of the squad and the coaching staff have been dealing with cold symptoms, headaches, and stomach cramps. Head coach Didier Deschamps was particularly affected, though he still managed to appear on the training field on Wednesday. According to French media, Kingsley Coman is the most affected among the players. The winger stayed in his room all morning, dealing with the illness.
Coman skipped media obligations for this reason, and it remains to be seen if the injury-plagued dribbler will appear on the training field on Thursday afternoon. However, his availability for the match against Austria is not expected to be in jeopardy. Fellow forward Ousmane Dembélé is feeling somewhat better after experiencing similar symptoms. "I was feeling a bit fluish on Tuesday, but now I feel better, just like the rest of the team. Only Coman still feels sicker," Dembélé reported.
The situation is creating some concerns within the French camp, as they aim to start the tournament on a strong note. The medical team is closely monitoring the affected individuals, providing necessary treatment and ensuring that the players are fit for the upcoming matches. Despite these challenges, the team remains focused and determined to overcome the hurdles.
Preparations continue as planned, with the coaching staff adjusting training schedules and sessions to accommodate the recovery of the affected players. The French squad, known for its depth and talent, is confident that it can manage these temporary setbacks and perform at its best during the tournament.
The virus outbreak serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and challenges that teams can face during major tournaments. As the kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on how Les Bleus handle these disruptions and whether they can maintain their form and focus amidst the adversity. The team's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial in their quest for Euro glory.
