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Raphael Varane is ready to return to the French national team Globalism Didier Deschamps, coach of the Danish national team, said today, Friday, that the cup struggle is with Denmark, after more than a month of his absence due to a leg injury.
The Manchester United defender was left out of the champions’ 4-1 campaign in their Group D opener against Australia, but Deschamps said he was fit to play ahead of that game and could appear at Stadium 974 on Saturday.
“He could have played, he was ready, he was fit. We discussed it with him,” Deschamps told reporters.
“He was fit for the first game and he is fit for the second game, we will have to make that decision. The main thing is that he is fit and ready.”
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Varane’s availability is a huge boost for Deschamps, who has lost a host of key players in the run-up to and during the World Cup in Qatar.
France arrived without Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante – the stars of their 2018 World Cup triumph – and Presnel Kimpembe. Then striker Karim Benzema and Lucas Hernandez had to leave Qatar due to injury.
However, France looked strong in their opening match and would be guaranteed qualification with a game to spare if they beat Denmark.
It will also guarantee them first place in the group if they win and the previous match between Tunisia and Australia ended in a draw.
Denmark could only manage a goalless draw with Tunisia in their first match, but that must make life difficult for France – they have beaten France home and away in the Nations League.
“They beat us twice and made life very difficult for us, so we have to make sure it’s not like that tomorrow,” Deschamps said.
“It’s not a case of wanting revenge because we know the Denmark players and they know us… We’ve looked at their players and learned from the experience, but they will too.”
Read also: Lionel Messi is on edge as Argentina look to salvage the World Cup
Captain Hugo Lloris played in their first two defeats at Stade de France in June and fears underestimating the Danes despite their poor performance against the Tunisians.
“It’s a different competition, but it gives you an idea of the Danish national team, which is excellent and able to beat the best,” Lloris said.
“We can’t say we don’t know them, and I don’t need any extra motivation at this stage of the tournament… We know it’s a crucial qualifying match.”
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