Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out of France's World Cup last-16 match against Paraguay due to a groin injury. The Real Madrid midfielder, who has started in all but one of France's World Cup games this summer and formed a solid partnership with Adrien Rabiot, suffered the injury in training.
Manu Kone replaces Tchouameni
Didier Deschamps has replaced Tchouameni with Manu Kone in what is his only change from France's 3-0 win over Sweden in the last-32 on Tuesday. Speaking before the game, France assistant Guy Stephan said: 'Aurelien Tchouameni has a minor muscle problem in his adductors, although it's a slightly larger area. He injured it during training, he'll receive treatment and a few days of rest. It's difficult to say how long it will take, but we all hope it won't be long.'
Potential return for quarter-final
Asked if Tchouameni could return for a potential quarter-final tie against Morocco next Thursday, Stephan said: 'It's possible. No guarantees, of course. It's not something that will last very long. But we're also pressed for time; the potential match is in five days.' Marcus Thuram is also missing from the squad due to a calf injury.
Confirmed line-ups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe. Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Velazquez, Alderete, Junior Alonso; Cubas; Almiron, Diego Gomez, Galarza; Enciso.
Weather concerns
FIFA warned supporters that the game could face delays due to hot weather and potential thunderstorms. Temperatures by the pitch before kick-off have reached 38 degrees Celsius, with air conditioning units installed by the dugouts. 'We are closely monitoring the weather situation in Philadelphia for Matchday 89. At this stage, there is a high risk of delays due to weather conditions,' FIFA said.
