France get big boost ahead of World Cup final with Argentina ‘with players coming back from virus’

France centre-backs Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are reportedly set to return to the squad for the World Cup final.

The players return to action at exactly the right time for France after a virus outbreak hit the side ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Argentina.

L’Equipe acc Get France Footballhave now announced that the two centre-backs, who started the semi-final against Morocco, have rejoined the squad for lunch and are expected to train tonight.

Raphael Varane will return to training on Saturday after suffering an illness in the French camp

Adrien Rabiot (left) and Dayot Upamecano (right) missed the semi-finals due to illness and are also back in action with Ibrahima Konate – one day before the final in Qatar with Argentina

The pair had missed training alongside Kingsley Coman for the past two days due to illness.

However, L’Equipe say Coman is still in his hotel room, making him doubtful for tomorrow’s game.

In the meantime, RMC Sports have reported that Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano are also back in action after missing the semifinals through illness.

To prevent the virus from spreading further, coaching staff and squad inside the French camp are wearing masks around the infected players.

Kingsley Coman is said to still be in his hotel room which is a potential doubt for the finale

Aurelien Tchouameni and Theo Hernandez, both of whom trained in the gym on Friday after hitting hips and knees respectively, shouldn’t have any major concerns either.

It is said there is more confidence Tchouameni – who scored one of the goals that knocked out England in the quarter-finals – will be all right than Hernandez.

Speaking of the virus, manager Didier Deschamps said: “We’re trying to manage this as best we can and stay calm and focused.

“We are doing our best to accommodate and adapt and live with it, not going too far but doing what is necessary. We would have preferred not to face it, but we’re handling it as best we can.’

The French camp have traced the disease virus to Qatar’s air conditioning system, which keeps players, staff and fans cool in the sweltering heat.

Didier Deschamps’ team had to take extra precautions to prevent the virus from spreading further

They are not the first side to complain about it after Brazil and Manchester United star Antony also addressed the issue and the impact it was having on his side early in the tournament.

Meanwhile, fans have also complained about air conditioning in the various stadiums at the tournament, revealing that they have had to wear sweaters to stay warm while attending matches.

Striker Randal Kolo Muani, who came on to score France’s second goal in the win against Morocco, said on Friday: “There’s a little flu spreading but nothing serious. They will soon be well and ready for Sunday.’

A French spokesman added: “As you know, Randal is not a doctor, we will report on that later.”

Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to be fine despite only working in the gym on Friday

Kolo Muani said the sick players have been isolated.

“The sick stay in their room, they are being cared for by the doctors and we have enforced social distancing. We’re very strict about it,” he said.

Striker Ousmane Dembele said: “We are not afraid of this virus. Dayot and Adrien got a little stomach ache, I made them some ginger honey tea and then they felt better. I hope everyone is ready for the final.

“Dayot got better and I think everyone will be ready. We have taken precautions. The first day Dayot stayed in his room and we brought him food and the next day he was with everyone.’