Worry For France As Duo Miss Training Ahead Of World Cup Semi-Final Against Morocco

The duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Dayot Upamecano missed France training ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.

It seems both Tchouameni and Upamecano will be facing a race against time to be available for what may well be the biggest game of their young careers thus far.

France are bidding to win back-to-back World Cups, which is a feat not achieved since Brazil did it 60 years ago.

They overcame a major hurdle in defeating England 2-1 in the last eight, with Tchouameni scoring a brilliant opener. Upamecano was less influential, though, and was fortunate to not give away a first-half penalty.

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Both now face a nervous wait to see if they are cleared to play in the semi-finals against Morocco.

Tchouameni is suffering from a calf injury sustained against England, while Upamecano is dealing with a minor illness.

Manager Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, says he won’t allow his players to take anything for granted against Morocco. The North African side have knocked out both Spain and Portugal to get this far, and Deschamps does not want France to join that list of World Cup upsets.

“Few people expected to see Morocco in the semi-final, they have surprised everyone and have deserved to be there,” the boss said. “We very much respect our opponents and to get this far they have deserved it. No one can take that away from them.

“Morocco will be very, very difficult to beat. It is fantastic what they have achieved. They have played and beaten some of the best teams in the world. It is a historic achievement.”

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Should the pair not make the game and have to start on the bench, France would have little trouble replacing them. Ibrahima Konate has shown he is more than capable on the international stage with the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout ready to step into the midfield if needed.