Raphael Varane and Ibrahima battling sickness bugs ahead of World Cup final

France centre-backs Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are battling sickness bugs ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, according to reports.

The defending champions had issues in the lead-up to their semi-final clash with Morocco as well, with Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano unable to play due to illness. Rabiot was left out of the squad completely, while Upamecano was well enough to make the bench but did not feature.

Konate came into the side to replace Upamecano, and slotted in seamlessly alongside Varane as the pair helped France keep a clean sheet to book their place in a second successive final.

However, both men have now emerged as doubts with the virus spreading through the French camp, leaving them feeling unwell, according to L’Equipe. The team are blaming air conditioning in Qatar for a number of their players being struck down by illness.

More to follow…