Guy Stéphan says Hugo Ekitike injury a big loss for France | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike will miss this summer’s World Cup, and France assistant Guy Stéphan has addressed the setback and the selection timeline.

“Above all we hope not to receive more bad news. Unfortunately, Hugo Ekitike has been seriously injured. It is a real blow and a big loss for France.”

He was speaking to Ouest France.

“He has a profile we do not find elsewhere. He is a young player who was very good on the American tour. He felt he would be in the group and in a few seconds everything collapsed.”

“We will have to cope and make up for his absence.”

The 23-year-old suffered the rupture against PSG in the Champions League. The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“A squad is decided right up to the final days. Never say never, but I do not think a player never capped with us could be involved.”

Names frequently mentioned as potential replacements include Randal Kolo Muani, Christopher Nkunku, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Florian Thauvin, with Eli-Junior Kroupi also discussed. The staff’s choices are due to be announced on 14 May on TF1’s 20:00 news.

Source: Le Progres