France battle to stop spread of virus on eve of World Cup final

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French coach Didier Deschamps said on Saturday that France were taking "as many precautions as possible" to stop the spread of a virus that is threatening preparations for their World Cup final game against Argentina.

France players Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, and Kingsley Coman missed training on Friday due to illness.

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano did not play in Wednesday's semi-final win over Morocco.

"We are trying to take as many precautions as possible, to adapt as necessary and get on with it," Deschamps said at a press conference in Doha on the eve of Sunday's match.

"Obviously it would be better if this wasn't happening but we are handling it as well as possible with our medical staff," he indicated.

Deschamps and France captain Hugo Lloris both insisted they could not offer any health updates, with the team set to train again later in the day.

"I am fine. As for the players, I left quite early this morning so they were all sleeping," said Deschamps, who spoke to reporters at 11:30 am local time.

Players, staff, and other sources close to the squad have spoken of a range of symptoms affecting the team in recent days, including fever, stomach pain, and headaches.

Measures have been taken at the team's hotel, including isolating certain players, but Covid-19 testing is no longer imposed by FIFA.

"We are never really prepared for this type of thing but we are trying to prepare in the best way possible," Lloris said of the illness worries.

It is noteworthy that France are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.

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