France head coach Didier Deschamps has played down the severity of N’Golo Kante’s injury after the Chelsea midfielder picked up a problem in the warm-up prior to Friday game.
The France international, who has been dealing with a number of injury niggles this campaign, had been in the starting XI to take on Iceland in Les Bleus’ Euro 2020 qualifier but was replaced by Moussa Sissoko just before kick-off.
Frank Lampard had not wanted Kante to be called up for international duty at all given his recent injuries, but Deschamps does not believe the latest setback is serious.
‘He felt a pain in the adductor [groin] muscle,’ said the France boss after the match. ‘He had a feeling where he did not feel comfortable to play.
‘I made the decision [to pull him from the squad], because maybe it could get even worse. I knew Moussa would be ready.’
Pressed on whether he would play against Turkey on Monday, he added: ‘I do not think it’s too serious for NG [Kante], but I do not have an answer tonight.’
However, France struggled in the absence of Kante – as well as the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba – but eventually won 1-0 thanks to an Olivier Giroud penalty.
Kante’s setback will do nothing for relations between Deschamps and Lampard, with the Chelsea manager having been wary of letting Kante join up with the national team so soon after returning from injury.
Speaking after naming Kante in the team in spite of Lampard’s request, Deschamps said: ‘Lampard asked me not to pick Kante at the last rally, if it’s still that way.
‘Maybe I’ll call him later to tell him it would be nice if you play Olivier Giroud a little bit.’
