Warren Zaïre-Emery, PSG pillar yet France reserve, faces frustrating World Cup wait | OneFootball

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 20, has yet to play a minute at this World Cup ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final against Morocco at 22:00. According to L'Équipe, the PSG midfielder, a double Champions League winner, is enduring the situation with frustration.

Two years after a Euro without a minute in Germany, he is enduring another unusual tournament. After a standout season for PSG, adapting to full-back, he is still not viewed as a France option. Across 11 competitive matches since 2024, Euros and World Cup, he has not featured.

At a 13 June news conference he played down any bitterness, admitting the frustration but pointing to fierce midfield competition. He said the coach had tried him at left-back in the last session and checked he was comfortable. He added he would play anywhere, even in goal, if it meant minutes.

Privately the lack of minutes has hurt. He shared his confusion with family and friends after the 4-1 win over Norway during a short break in Boston, without showing anger. He remains polite and upbeat in public.

He raised the issue with staff during the group stage. Little emerged, beyond Didier Deschamps not seeing him as right-back cover and a clear midfield hierarchy placing him fourth or fifth. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s adductor problem could open a door, and it was Zaïre-Emery, not Kanté, who warmed up against Paraguay in the 1-0 win.

If he stays on the bench, the paradox endures, a key figure for PSG yet the reserve’s reserve with Les Bleus.

Source: L'Équipe