Jules Koundé suffers ankle injury on France duty

According to Saber Desfarges, Jules Koundé (25) suffered an ankle injury during France’s 2-0 defeat to Germany at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday. 

Koundé was withdrawn on the hour mark by Didier Deschamps with Les Bleus 2-0 down. It had looked like a tactical substitution. Jonathan Clauss replaced the Barcelona defender and the Olympique de Marseille man represents a more attacking option. With France chasing the game, his introduction therefore seemed logical. 

PLAYER RATINGS | France 0-2 Germany: Florian Wirtz-inspired Germany ease past feeble France.

Jules Koundé, 3
Brice Samba, 6
Kylian Mbappé, 4
Marcus Thuram, 3https://t.co/9sUxdW0slv

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 23, 2024

However, Desfarges revealed post-match that Koundé was suffering from an injury to his right ankle. The journalist added that whilst it wasn’t twisted, the injury did require ice to be applied. As a result, Koundé’s continued participation in the ongoing international break is in question. 

France face Chile on Tuesday in what is Les Bleus’ final game before this summer’s Euros, which will be held in Germany. In his potential absence, players such as Clauss, or even Benjamin Pavard, who started at centre-back against Germany, could be afforded the chance to impress. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle