Injury ‘could hamper’ Nordi Mukiele World Cup bid amid Sunderland lay-off | OneFootball

Nordi Mukiele has been out for several weeks with a calf problem, and, according to L’Equipe, the setback could harm his hopes of forcing a way into France’s World Cup squad this summer.

The 28-year-old has shone in his debut Premier League campaign at the Stadium of Light under head coach Regis Le Bris, featuring at right-back and in central defence. He has not played 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.

Le Bris said Mukiele is improving and will be assessed next week. He cautioned that while the defender might face Newcastle, risking a longer lay-off would not make sense, and the staff will manage the situation carefully.

The report said Didier Deschamps faces a full-back dilemma. Jules Kounde is his preferred option but will not be fit for this month’s international break, so Mukiele might have been in line for a first call-up since 2021 but for injury.

As a result, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu could come into the squad for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the coming weeks. With Jonathan Clauss seemingly out of contention, Mukiele may still be in the frame for a place at this summer’s North American World Cup if others suffer setbacks, though missing this chance to impress will not aid his cause.

Source: Sunderland Echo