Varane joins list of 5 French players to fall ill

A viral bug is spreading across the French football team creating havoc.

Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are the latest players to fall ill ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, taking the total up to five.

Adrien Rabiot (27) and Dayot Upamecano (24) were also ruled out of Les Bleus’ semi-final victory over Morocco.

Incidentally, Konaté was Upamecano’s replacement for that fixture and himself fallen ill.

France manager Didier Deschamps had already confirmed that winger Kingsley Coman was the fifth player who is unwell.

Coman complained of flu-like symptoms and Deschamps admitted on Friday morning that France face a battle to avoid an outbreak in the camp ahead of the final against Argentina in two days.

“Coman had a fever this morning,” Deschamps said. “We have had a few cases of flu-like symptoms. We are trying to be careful so that it does not spread. The players have put in a great effort on the pitch and obviously their immune systems have suffered.

Kingsley Coman (26), however, is feeling better after having been isolated from his teammates after catching the illness.

“Dayot Upamecano felt bad right after the game against England. It happens when you exert yourself so much, you are more prone to getting these viruses. We’re taking all the necessary precautions.”

The reason behind the flu-like illness has not yet been ascertained.

L’Équipe have cited air-conditioning as the reason, but according to beIN Sports, the flu was caught from the England players during the quarter-final tie last weekend.

In the France camp, measures are being taken to contain the spread of the illness.

Hand gel has been placed on the tables and staff at Les Bleus’ hotel are now obliged to wear masks.

However, Varane’s and Konaté’s situations aren’t “alarming” but added that staff are going to monitor their health closely.

Apparently, Konaté’s symptoms are more “pronounced” than Varane’s. The latter is only suffering from mild symptoms.

Argentina will be watching this scenario with keen interest.