Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out of France’s World Cup last-16 match against Paraguay due to a groin injury.
The Real Madrid midfielder has started in all but one of France’s World Cup games this summer and has formed a solid partnership alongside Adrien Rabiot.
However, Tchouameni is forced to miss France’s game against Paraguay in Philadelphia after suffering a groin injury in training.
Didier Deschamps has replaced Tchouameni with Manu Kone in what is his only change from France’s 3-0 win over Sweden in the last-32 on Tuesday.
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Speaking before the game, France assistant Guy Stephan said: ‘Aurelien Tchouameni has a minor muscle problem in his adductors, although it’s a slightly larger area.
‘He injured it during training, he’ll receive treatment and a few days of rest. It’s difficult to say how long it will take, but we all hope it won’t be long.’
Asked if could return for France’s potential quarter-final tie against Morocco next Thursday, Stephan said: ‘It’s possible. No guarantees, of course.
‘It’s not something that will last very long. But we’re also pressed for time; the potential match is in five days.’
Marcus Thuram is also missing from the squad due to a calf injury.
France vs Paraguay confirmed line-ups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Velazquez, Alderete, Junior Alonso; Cubas; Almiron, Diego Gomez, Galarza; Enciso
Ahead of the match, FIFA had warned supporters that the game could face delays due to the hot weather and potential thunderstorms.
Temperatures by the side of the pitch before kick-off have already reached 38 degrees, while air conditioning units have been installed by the dugouts.
‘We are closely monitoring the weather situation in Philadelphia for Matchday 89. At this stage, there is a high risk of delays due to weather conditions,’ FIFA said.
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