The latest information from the camp of France ahead of their semi-final clash with Morocco on Wednesday night is that the world champions are contending with illness.

According to reports, Dayot Upamecano has a sore throat, while Adrien Rabiot is ‘unwell.’ As it stands, the duo could miss the game against the tournament surprise package.

Morocco had upset the odds getting to this stage after ousting Spain and Portugal in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

The winner of the clash would face Argentina in the final. The South American side had outclassed Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals.

As it stands, France are at risk of missing the two key players who sat out training through illness on Tuesday.

History is on the line for Deschamps’ side; apart from being one of the favourites, they are defending their crown in Qatar. They could become the first side to go back-to-back final since Brazil in 1962. 

This would be a huge loss to Les Bleus, having lost Ngolo Kante, Presnel Kimbempe, Paul Pogba, and Paul Karim Benzema before the tournament began. Both Rabiot and Upamecano had been part of France’s setup. They were in the starting lineup against England in a 2-1 quarter-final win. So, if they are not fit enough to feature, it represents a blow to boss Deschamps.  

Meanwhile, France is expected to prepare Youssef Fofana and Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate as their replacement should they fail to beat the sickness. The duo are the most likely candidates to step up should the pair not recover from their reported illnesses in time. 

Rabiot has shown to be the bedrock of a midfield without Pogba. The Juventus midfielder has played in all five matches in Qatar so far. 

The last time Upamecano was given the night off was against Tunisia in the final group game, in which they lost 1-0. Afterward, he has been a starting center-back in other matches.

Written by OLADIPUPO MOJEED