Share

Another French star injured

Cape Town - Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy could miss France's opening World Cup fixtures after suffering a leg injury during his side's 8-0 victory over Jamaica on Sunday.

The right-back was forced off the field at half-time, but speaking after the match, manager Didier Deschamps quelled fears that the 28-year-old would be ruled out of the showpiece event.

"He felt a little discomfort when he runs, he will get treatment," Deschamps said of the defender.

Les Bleus have already suffered two injury blows ahead of the tournament, with midfielders Franck Ribery and Clement Grenier pulling out of the squad on Friday due to injury.

Debuchy was due to battle Arsenal contract rebel Bacary Sagna for the right to start at right back.

France ran riot in their final warm-up clash, winning 8-0 courtesy of doubles from Karim Benzema, Blaise Matuidi and Antoine Griezmann, and one goal apiece from Yohan Cabaye and Olivier Giroud.

"It was [a performance] full of confidence," Deschamps enthused. "But it does not give us any insurance for the first game of the World Cup.

"I know what you [the press] are going to say: we met with a team of tourists. But I prefer to think of the performance of my players. 

France are in Group E along with Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 960 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 466 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE