'You're never prepared for a virus' - France skipper Hugo Lloris gives illness update ahead of World Cup final
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Updated 17/12/2022 at 10:22 GMT
France captain Hugo Lloris and manager Didier Deschamps still aren't sure if virus-stricken players will be able to feature in Sunday's World Cup final. Raphael Varane and Ibrahim Konate went down with illness in the build-up to the showpiece clash with Argentina, after three more players missed the semi-final win over Morocco. Lloris also discussed Messi and Deschamps touched on his future.
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France manager Didier Deschamps and captain Hugo Lloris were unable to offer assurances about virus-stricken players in the French camp the day before the World Cup final, while Lloris said the occasion is too big to focus just on Argentina great Lionel Messi.
Reports on Friday said that Raphael Varane and Ibrahim Konate had fallen ill ahead of Sunday’s showpiece game, following in the footsteps of Kingsley Coman, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano.
The latter trio have since returned to training, but there are concerns about France’s defence after their two centre-backs fell ill.
"I haven't got any more news since last night," Lloris told a news conference.
"Everyone was still in their rooms this morning when I got up for breakfast so I haven't seen anyone. I'm sure you will get more information by our next training session.
"You are never really prepared for a virus. This was something we weren't necessarily prepared for but we remain focused and, of course, we're very excited about playing in a World Cup final."
Deschamps added: “I am absolutely fine. As for the players, I left the camp quite early this morning so they were all still asleep. I haven't had any recent updates.
"We are trying to manage this situation as well as we can and remain calm and focussed. I'll get some more information today and I'll think about that tonight, and even tomorrow. We'll looking forward to this important game."
France overcame surprise package Morocco with a 2-0 win in the semi-finals, after earlier knocking out Poland and England.
Les Bleus are attempting to become just the third side to successfully defend their World Cup crown, after Italy and Brazil, having won it four years ago in Russia.
Much of the pre-match focus has been around Lionel Messi, who is featuring in the World Cup for the last time and is yet to taste glory in the competition, but Lloris insisted France are taking a wider view.
"I believe the event is too massive to just be focused on one player. It is a final between two big nations in football,” Lloris said.
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Hugo Lloris
Image credit: Getty Images
"Obviously when you face that type of player you need a special focus on him, but it is not only about him.
"They are a strong team with a lot of talented players. They have a young generation of players and you can feel they are all dedicated to Lionel Messi, but we will try and find the key to get the success.”
Deschamps’ future as France manager has been the source of speculation, with the 54-year-old’s contract due to expire after the competition.
But he insisted that clinching another World Cup crown won’t decide what happens next.
"To be the France manager has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am still as passionate about the role as I ever have been," he said.
"The most important thing is the team. I am not the most important person here, it is all about the team. My future won't depend on tomorrow's result. I'm not even thinking about the future at the moment."
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