Let’s All Worry About France’s Central Defense
I think it’s safe to say that most of us get a little frisson of concern when we think of Raymond relying on the old guard of William Gallas and Lilian Thuram as central defenders for the entire tournament. (Gallas less than Thuram. I adore Lilian, but he’s thirty-six years old and wasn’t a regular starter at Barcelona this year.)
To add to that, Julien Escudé was called up, but he’s been hampered recently by a long-term incidence of “pubalgie.” (Aka a groin injury.)
And now we get the news that Philippe Mexès is not training for France because he picked up a knee injury in the Coppa Italia. He’s being examined by physicians for the EdF to determine whether or not he’ll be able to take part in Euros.
A Mexès injury combined with a lack of fitness for Escudé would leave us with…who, exactly on central defense?
Thuram
Gallas
Squillaci
Boumsong
Does this strike intense fear in your heart if you’re an attacker? Yeah, me neither.
Eric Abidal can play in the center, which would bring Patrice Evra onto the field. This might be a good thing.
But should Raymond call somebody else up? Just in case? And if so, who?
What a decision to have to make two days before the final list is due.
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http://italy.worldcupblog.com Chris
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http://lyon.theoffside.com Inara
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Aditya
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Miles
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http://lyon.theoffside.com Inara
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http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

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