FIFA World Cup 2022: France players hit by cold, illness ahead of final vs Argentina

France continue to struggle with illness concerns in their camp with two of their star defenders hit by colds ahead of the big FIFA World Cup 2022 final against Argentina, scheduled for Sunday, December 18. Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konata are the latest to fall ill on Friday as Didier Deschamps frets over the availability of his star players ahead of the ultimate battle against Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Notably, centre-back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed France's semi-final match against Morocco with illness. The defending champions managed their absence and fended off a firm Moroccan threat to win 2-0 and book a place in their second successive



final, which will be played at the Lusail Stadium.

Several France players have caught colds, the French Football Federation (FFF) said, as they prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina, with Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate the latest to fall ill on Friday.

Centre-back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed Wednesday's 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco with illness.

Coach Didier Deschamps refused to panic after Wednesday's game and said they were being careful to ensure the illness did not spread. Deschamps had expressed confidence that both Rabiot and Upamecano would be available for Sunday's final.