France’s injury list is growing, with two more leading players reportedly joining Antoine Dupont on the sidelines. It’s an unwelcome trend for Les Bleus, compressing depth in key areas and testing combinations at a time when cohesion is currency.
Selection headaches and knock-on effects
When multiple first-choice operators are unavailable, the ripple is felt across set-piece, leadership and attacking fluency. Expect coaches to lean on versatile options, adjust tactical emphasis, and prioritise defensive continuity while new partnerships bed in.
Short-term pain, long-term clarity?
Injuries can accelerate development for next-in-line talent and harden squad resilience. The challenge for France is to absorb the hit without ceding momentum—keeping standards high while the medical room does its work.
The hope will be swift recoveries and a fuller hand to play when the next big tests roll around.
