France facing a defensive headache

Bucharest – World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 match against Switzerland today, with coach Didier Deschamps (right) struggling for options.

The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games.

France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland.

His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit, forcing potential changes to Deschamps’ defensive plans.

Digne’s replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%.

To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff.

France are already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary and he has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery.

But despite the injuries France remain the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss.

Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, may be struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker.

Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal.

The French have also never lost to the Swiss, who have not reached a quarterfinal in a major tournament in 67 years. –