France manager Didier Deschamps has delivered an ominous fitness update on Inter Milan talisman Marcus Thuram.
Speaking to the press in the build-up to Thursday’s clash against Israel, as reported by FCInterNews, Deschamps admitted Thuram may not feature in the next match.
Les Bleus return to UEFA Nations League duties tomorrow, seeking another positive result after dispatching Belgium 2-0 last month.
Deschamps’ team suffered a false start to their League A1 campaign, throwing away an early lead in a 3-1 home loss to Italy.
Therefore, they can ill-afford another slip-up if they’re to replicate their 2020/21 success when they last conquered this competition.
France will enter the game as odds-on favorites, although Deschamps’ roster lacks several influential figures.
Indeed, long-serving Atletico Madrid stalwart Antoine Griezmann retired from international football shortly after EURO 2024.
On top of that, Deschamps has omitted Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe from October’s call-up.
Two such notable absences were supposed to open the door for Thuram.
Unfortunately, the 27-year-old’s fitness issues could hamper his momentum.
France Manager Didier Deschamps Delivers Alarming Fitness Update on Inter Milan Star Marcus Thuram
Thuram bagged his first-ever Serie A hat-trick in a 3-2 home win against Torino last weekend.
However, he picked up an injury in the process.
Guillermo Maripan’s tackle on his ankle has seemingly left a lasting consequence, with Deschamps uncertain over Thuram’s availability.
“Marcus will train separately because he still feels something in his ankle,” the French gaffer said.
“Will he play tomorrow? Let’s see, but today he seems in doubt.”
Given the circumstances, Deschamps would be wise to manage Thuram’s game time carefully.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi has barely rested his in-form striker in the early goings this season.
Therefore, there’s a genuine concern the French ace could aggravate the issue unless he is given adequate recovery time.