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Deschamps takes risk on Ribery

Cape Town - French national team coach Didier Deschamps is likely to take Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery to the SWC in Brazil.

Deschamps is due to submit his 23 main squad to FIFA today and it appears that he will take injuring-plagued star Franck Ribery to the 2014 edition of the Fifa Soccer World. Ribery played no part in either international friendly for France this week but it appears that the German-based star has provided Deschamps with enough evidence to suggest the forward will be ready for kick off in Brazil.

Ribery has been plagued with a back injury for most of the Bundesliga season where he started just 18 games for the German champions Bayern Munich. Ribery was again absent on Sunday evening when France drew 1-1 in a rain soaked encounter with Paraguay.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps told the media after the match that the 31-year-old would be in the final 23-man squad due to be submitted to FIFA today. 

Should Ribery fail to pass a fitness test, his place in the starting lineup will be taken by either Real Sociedad's impressive youngster Antoine Griezmann or Newcastle loanee Loic Remy. Griezmann, who has had a fantastic season in Spain, appeared to take his chance in Ribery's absence by netting France's only goal against Paraguay.

France play Honduras in their first Group E encounter on June 15 (Kick off 21:00 SA time).       



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