Antoine Griezmann, the stalwart of the French national team, has been sidelined with an ankle injury, abruptly halting his impressive streak of 84 consecutive appearances for Les Bleus. This setback forces him to miss the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Chile, marking his first absence from the squad since November 2016.
Griezmann’s absence leaves a notable void in the French lineup, as his consistent presence on the pitch has been a cornerstone of the team’s success over the years.
The Atletico Madrid forward’s absence is particularly significant as France prepares for the final friendlies before the Euro 2024 tournament. Griezmann’s unwavering commitment to the national team has been evident since 2017, with his presence felt in every match since a friendly against England, where he was an unused substitute. His absence now presents a challenge for coach Didier Deschamps, who must find suitable replacements to maintain the team’s momentum and cohesion.
In Griezmann’s absence, Matteo Guendouzi has been called up to the French squad for the first time since the last World Cup. Despite Griezmann’s irreplaceable qualities, Guendouzi’s inclusion offers an opportunity for the Lazio midfielder to step up and contribute to the team’s efforts. While acknowledging the significance of Griezmann’s absence, Deschamps remains confident in Guendouzi’s abilities to adapt and contribute positively to the squad’s dynamics.
Coach Didier Deschamps has described Griezmann as “not irreplaceable but essential” for the France set-up, emphasizing the forward’s invaluable contributions on and off the field. Despite the setback, Deschamps accepts the recommendations of the team doctor, prioritizing Griezmann’s long-term health and well-being.
As Griezmann focuses on his recovery, the French team must rally together and adapt to overcome this temporary setback as they continue their preparations for the upcoming challenges ahead.
