Nordi Mukiele injury could hinder France World Cup hopes and delay Sunderland return | OneFootball

Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele has been sidelined for several weeks with a calf problem, potentially harming his bid to make France’s World Cup squad this summer. He has not featured since the 3-1 home defeat to Fulham in February and is racing to be fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby at Newcastle United.

According to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps faces a full-back dilemma this month with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde unavailable, and Mukiele might have earned a first recall since 2021 were he not injured. The report adds that Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu could be called for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, and that with Jonathan Clauss seemingly out of favour, Mukiele may still have a chance for this summer’s World Cup in North America if others suffer setbacks.

The 28-year-old has impressed in his first Premier League season, becoming a key part of Regis Le Bris’s defence at right-back and in the middle.

Le Bris said the defender is improving and will be assessed next week. He warned that risking him against Newcastle might mean losing him for eight weeks, so the staff must manage the situation carefully.

In October, French journalist Pierre-Etienne Minonzio argued that competition for France at right-back is intense, citing Malo Gusto, and describing Mukiele as a centre-back who often covers wide. He added that a return via right-back might be his best route, though he has not played there regularly for Sunderland.

Source: Sunderland Echo