Chelsea Blues
In heavy news, center midfielder Nicolai Jandi unfortunately underwent hamstring surgery and is expected to be out of action for up to four months. This news undoubtedly casts a shadow over the French national team's World Cup journey, and the last World Cup champion team's defense of the title will be more and more difficult.
The 31-year-old Nicolajandi has been out with an injury since mid-August, and rumors have been swirling for a long time that he would not be able to play in this World Cup. Now, the Chelsea side has finally confirmed that the defensive midfielder will be out for four months, which is much longer than the two months previously speculated.
France national team manager Dee Gans expressed his concern over the absence of Nicolou Gendi: Gendi's absence will undoubtedly weaken us, his experience and ability are crucial to the team. Gendy has been plagued by injuries in the last two seasons, especially muscular problems, and I am saddened by his situation, and he himself is very disappointed.
It's worth noting that in addition to Nicolou Gendi, Paul Pouba, another key midfielder who helped France win the last World Cup, is also recovering from an injury, and it's not yet certain if he'll be able to recover in time for this year's World Cup campaign.
An interesting phenomenon is that four of the last five defending World Cup teams have gone out in the group stage, including France in 2002. Now that France has been hit hard by injury problems, could history be about to repeat itself?
