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Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud START for France as Adrien Rabiot returns, with his virus-hit team in full force for the World Cup final against Argentina
France is full of strength for the World Cup final against Argentina, with Olivier Giroud and Raphael Varane in the squad.
Les Bleus have been dealing with a virus outbreak in their squad in the build-up to the game, with Varane and Giroud previously emerging as doubts in what was a worrying development for manager Didier Deschamps.
However, both players are ready to go, while Adrien Rabiot, who missed the semi-final win over Morocco due to illness, is back in the line-up.
Olivier Giroud (left) and Raphael Varane (right) have been named in France’s side for the World Cup final clash against Argentina.
There was talk of a possible return to the team of Karim Benzema, whose name has remained in the France team despite being injured all the time.
However, the 34-year-old is not involved and will reportedly not be attending at all, having turned down an offer from French President Emmanuel Macron to join him on his presidential plane to Qatar. However, midfielder Paul Pogba, who also missed the tournament due to injury, will be watching from the stands.
Meanwhile, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and left back Theo Hernández, who missed Friday’s training session due to injury but will later participate on Saturday, are in the squad.
Klyian Mbappe starts on the left again -despite training in the middle on Saturday- with Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Giroud completing the attack.
And next to Varane in defense, Dayot Upamecano begins, who returns to the team after missing the semifinal, with an impressive loss of Ibrahima Konate.
Confirmed France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T.Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Mbappé, Giroud
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot returns to the France XI after missing the semi-final against Morocco
As for Argentina, the news of the team is not yet confirmed, but coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to stay with a defense of four defenders, with Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi as a pair.
Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes are expected to keep their places in midfield, meanwhile, Ángel Di María back on the bench.
Full-backs Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel are back after missing the Croatian semi-final through suspension. However, Nahuel Molina should keep his place at right-back, while Nicolás Tagliafico could retire for Acuña.
More to follow…