France are among the World Cup betting favourites in Qatar this winter, despite inconsistent form over the last couple of years.
Their squad is arguably the best in the world on paper, but they have some significant injury worries in the build up to the tournament, with N’Golo Kante already ruled out.
Drawn alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia, France should have no live betting stresses in the opening phase.
Progressing to the knockouts is not a satisfactory outcome for Didier Deschamps side, however, who will be expecting to go deep into this tournament.
Some high-calibre talents are bound to be disappointed for either being left out of the squad or not getting minutes. Here are five French players to keep an eye on in the 2022 World Cup…
Christopher Nkunku (Injured)
On performance alone, Christopher Nkunku should start ahead of Antoine Griezmann in support of Kylian Mbappe but the injury to Karim Benzema helps his case.
Nkunku has began 2022-23 where he left off in 2021-22, scoring nine in his first 11 Bundesliga starts and impressing in the Champions League.
Expected to leave Leipzig either in January or next summer, Nkunku’s stock has soared since the start of last term.
With all the attention on the front two, he could be in for a big tournament despite not scoring in his first eight international appearances.
Christopher Nkunku's game by numbers vs Real Madrid:
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 25, 2022
90% passing accuracy
7 touches in opposition box
4 dribbles
3 duels won
3 chances created
3 shots
2 possession won in final third
2 clearances
1 goal
0.15 xG
Always shining. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/BHlmGKtdQu
Aurélien Tchouaméni
A starter against Denmark and Austria in September, Aurélien Tchouaméni looks set to start in midfield following his big-money move to Real Madrid in the summer.
Kante is already out for the tournament, and an injury setback makes it unlikely Paul Pogba will be fit.
Blaise Matuidi, Steven Nzonzi and Corentin Tolisso, who all featured in the final four years ago, are all long gone.
France could have a completely new look midfield in Qatar, and Tchouaméni is positioned to be first-choice for the next decade.
Kylian Mbappe
The most valuable player in world football according to Transfermarkt, Kylian Mbappe has already starred at a World Cup, with four goals during France’s run to the trophy four years ago.
Already joint-10th in the all-time France top scorers list, Mbappe is bound to climb further this winter.
The 23-year-old has 17 Champions League and Ligue 1 goals before the start of November, and will be giving defenders nightmares in the build up to the World Cup.
It isn’t a question of form for Mbappe. If he’s fit, he will be can’t-take-your-eyes-off entertainment alongside Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
Jules Koundé
Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Koundé. France are stacked in central defence (that list could’ve gone on for a while longer).
An injury picked up in late October cast doubts over Koundé’s availability for Qatar, but it doesn’t look to be anything serious.
While there are other options, Koundé is clearly in the first-choice XI as it stands. His mobility is key in a back three, and having the Barcelona man fully fit is especially important if Raphael Varane misses out.
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 30, 2022
Tests carried out this morning concluded that:
Eric Garcia has an external obturator muscle strain in his left hip.
Jules Kounde has a biceps femoris muscle strain in his left thigh. pic.twitter.com/DBUkJsFgSd
Eduardo Camavinga
With something of a midfield injury crisis, Eduardo Camavinga - widely regarded as one of the best young footballers on the planet - is one of the options to partner Aurélien Tchouaméni in the centre of the park.
The Real Madrid pair are the future for club and country, and Camavinga made his return to international action earlier this year after not earning a cap in 2021.
Turning 20 just days before the tournament begins, Camavinga is experienced for his age, but being a starter at the World Cup is still a big ask. There are some big shoes to fill in that midfield.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 1st November 2022
