Concerns eased over injury to France’s Jules Koundé | OneFootball

Jules Koundé (27) was withdrawn at half-time during France’s 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday, however, there is no concern regarding the Barcelona defender heading into the FIFA World Cup, as per a report from L’Équipe. 

Didier Deschamps’ decision to withdraw Koundé at half-time was not a tactical one. The Barcelona defender, at the time of his exit, was suffering from muscular pain, L’Équipe understands. He was replaced by Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto. 

However, the publication adds that there is no concern regarding the defender’s fitness heading into the World Cup. Koundé is expected to be the starter for Les Bleus in North America, despite a difficult campaign at Barcelona. 

Gusto is one alternative, as is Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery, who impressed when filling in in that role for his club last season. France will train in the US for the first time on Thursday, ahead of their opener against Senegal on Tuesday.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle