PARIS, France, October 10 – France centre-back Laurent Koscielny could be in doubt for Friday’s friendly with Japan after injuring his right knee at the end of a training session on Thursday.
After a collision with Franck Ribery, the Arsenal defender had to cut short his involvement in the training session and was helped off the pitch by two physiotherapists.
The news arrives at a bad time for France coach Didier Deschamps, who had been intending to field Koscielny alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Mamadou Sakho in Friday’s game at Stade de France.
With Montpellier’s Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa suspended, Koscielny is also in line to partner Sakho in Tuesday’s key World Cup qualifier against Spain in Madrid.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye is unlikely to start France’s friendly game against Japan on Friday due to a stomach problem, coach Didier Deschamps revealed on Wednesday.
“Yohan is still in discomfort and has slight abdominal pain,” said Deschamps.
“He’ll still train separately today (Wednesday) and it’s probable that he won’t start the match.”
France are already without Abou Diaby and Rio Mavuba due to injury, and the absence of Cabaye would leave them even more light in central midfield ahead of Tuesday’s key World Cup Group I qualifier against Spain in Madrid.
However, Deschamps said that there was better news concerning Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who had sat out Tuesday’s training session along with Cabaye.
“He’s doing better and he’ll train as normal today,” he said.
Deschamps also revealed that Hugo Lloris will continue to sport the captain’s armband against the Blue Samurai at Stade de France.
“Hugo Lloris will play on Friday and will be the captain,” said the former Marseille coach.
Lloris made his Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, having initially been forced to play second fiddle to Spurs’ 41-year-old American goalkeeper, Brad Friede
