‘Mysterious’ cold affects French players before the World Cup final against Argentina
France's players warm up at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha. File/ AFP
The French Football Federation announced that a number of the national team had contracted cold before facing Argentina in the World Cup final, Sunday.
Raphaël Varane and Ibrahima Konate were the latest infected with the virus on Friday.
Central defense Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed the 2-0 win over Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday due to illness, but coach Didier Deschamps said after the match that he did not panic.
Striker Randal Kolo Muani, who came on as a substitute and scored the second goal against Morocco, said on Friday: “There is a slight cold spreading, but it is not dangerous. They will be fine soon and fully ready for Sunday’s match.”
A French media official added, "As you know, Randall is not a doctor. We will issue a statement in this regard later."
Kolo Muani said the sick players are being isolated.
He added, "The patients stay in their rooms, the doctors take care of them, and we imposed social divergence... We are very strict in this regard."
Striker Ousmane Dembele said: "We are not afraid of this virus. Daewoo and Adrian suffer from some stomach pain. I prepared tea for them with ginger and honey after which they felt better. I hope everyone will be ready for the final."
He added, "Dayot has improved, and I think everyone will be ready. We took our precautions. The first day, Daewoo stayed in his room, we brought him food, and he returned with everyone the next day."
Deschamps seemed confident that Upamecano and Rabiot would recover to face Argentina at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
