Special envoy to Athens
If Didier Deschamps was annoyed Monday evening in Athens, in particular because of an unprecedented pre-match, he did not lie about his intention to rotate his squad in great detail. If he did not make a set-up on Monday evening on the lawn of the OPAP Arena, the coach should make at least seven changes in the team which will challenge Greece for the last match of the Blues in 2023.
“I have eight (finally seven) players playing Friday night,” he admits in reference to PSG-Monaco (L. Hernandez, Kolo Muani, Mbappé, Dembélé, Fofana) and Cologne-Bayern Munich (Upamecano, Coman ) for the return of Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga. Suffice it to say that after the injury to Warren Zaire-Emery, who is out until the start of 2024, no risks will be taken.
Samba will take Maignan’s place in goal. In defense, everything could change with a line of four made up of Koundé, Disasi, Saliba and Lucas Hernandez. In the middle, Rabiot and Griezmann should supervise Kamara while in front, Mbappé would be surrounded by Giroud and Dembélé. If these choices by Deschamps are confirmed, it would be no less than eight changes made by the coach, eager to end the year with a new victory in the Greek city. The final choices will be validated during the day by “DD” and his staff, after having obtained the latest health information from his players.
The probable eleven of the Blues Samba – Kounded, Disasi, Saliba, L. Hernandez – Kamara, Rabiot – Dembele, Giroud, Mbappe (cap)