French defender Raphael Varane blamed the crowded match schedule, stressing that it was the cause of the outbreak of injuries among players, as many of the France players were left out of the international list during the current break due to various injuries.
More than 12 players from the French national team will be absent in the match against Austria, scheduled for the first land, on Thursday, as well as the match with host Denmark next Sunday, less than two months before the start of France’s campaign to defend its title in the Qatar finals.
Among the injured are midfielder Paul Pogba, who has many doubts about his participation in the World Cup after undergoing knee surgery, as well as striker Karim Benzema, central defender Presenil Kimpembe, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defender Theo Hernandez.
Defender Varane said at the press conference: “It is not surprising, we have been talking for years about the crowded schedule, and the fatigue of the players. All the coaches of the major European teams are talking about it. This season is more intense than usual so unfortunately we are not surprised. But you have to adapt.
France faces an arduous task to remain in the first division of the Nations League, as it is bottom of Group A with two points from four matches.