Nordi Mukiele injury ‘may hamper’ France World Cup chances | OneFootball

Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele has been sidelined for a number of weeks with a calf problem, a setback that may hinder his push for a France World Cup berth this summer.

L'Equipe reports that Didier Deschamps faces a full-back selection issue, with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde unavailable for this month’s break, and that Mukiele might have been in line for a first call-up since 2021 but for injury. Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu could be picked for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, while Jonathan Clauss appears out of contention, and Mukiele may yet come into consideration for the summer if others suffer setbacks.

The 28-year-old has excelled in his debut Premier League campaign, becoming a key part of Regis Le Bris’s defence at Sunderland, either at right-back or centrally.

He has been unavailable during his recovery and has not played since February’s 3-1 home defeat by Fulham. He is in a race to be fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United.

Le Bris said Mukiele is improving and will be assessed next week, but cautioned against risking him. He suggested a gamble at Newcastle could lead to eight weeks out, so Sunderland will try to manage the situation carefully.

With the tournament approaching, missing this window to impress may not aid his World Cup case.

Source: Sunderland Echo