France struck by cold virus ahead of World Cup final
A cold virus is running through the France squad ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, affecting at least three players in the squad.
Coach Didier Deschamps said two players with symptoms, defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot, were isolated earlier this week and didn't play in France's 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco.
Rabiot wasn't in the lineup in Wednesday's match at Al Bayt stadium. Upamecano was in the lineup as a substitute but didn't play. Deschamps said Upamecano was recovering from "three difficult days" since playing in the quarterfinals against England on Saturday.
"However, we have four days until the next game, so he should be available for Sunday," the coach said, adding back-up winger Kingsley Coman had also felt feverish.
He insisted he expects all his players to be healthy for the final against Argentina.
"It's 'flu season now, and in that sense, we have to be careful," he said. "And also, the players have put in a huge shift and their immune system might be a little run down."
France has been training outdoors in Qatar and Deschamps noted the "use of air conditioners may also affect" how the virus is circulating, echoing comments earlier in the tournament from the Brazil camp.
Seven of the eight World Cup stadiums cool the air at field level while interiors of buildings and transport in Qatar are routinely air-conditioned.
Switzerland also had an outbreak of heavy colds and had two starters missing for a decisive group-stage game against Serbia.
The daytime heat has settled at around 25-27 Celsius (77-81 Fahrenheit) for the final week of the month-long tournament which started with temperatures in the low-30s (high 80s).
The first World Cup to be played in November and December was moved from the usual scheduling in June and July when temperatures in Qatar routinely rise above 40 C (104 F)
"The temperatures have dropped in the last few days, and you always need to be careful," Deschamps said. "Regarding the virus, we're not worried, really."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH LIVE Latest info: FBI says the New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an 'act of terrorism'
The FBI now says the New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an 'act of terrorism' when he drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revellers early Wednesday, killing 15 people.
FORECAST Weather warnings issued in 6 provinces and territories
Wintry weather conditions, including heavy snow and wind chill values around -55, prompted warnings in six provinces and territories early Thursday morning.
Man who died in Tesla Cybertruck explosion was active-duty U.S. army soldier, officials say
The person who authorities believe died in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters outside U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel was an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Thursday.
5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared
The virus is still with us, though humanity has built up immunity through vaccinations and infections. It's less deadly than it was in the pandemic's early days and it no longer tops the list of leading causes of death. But the virus is evolving, meaning scientists must track it closely.
Who are Canada's top-earning CEOs and how much do they make?
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs earned $13.2 million on average in 2023 from salaries, bonuses and other compensation, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
More Popsicles, please: Your tonsils can grow back
Tonsil regrowth is rare. Here's one woman's experience when she had to get her tonsils removed – again.
10 people are wounded in a shooting outside a New York City nightclub
Ten people were wounded in a shooting outside a New York City nightclub while they were waiting to get into a private event, police said.
Here's how immigration rules are changing in 2025
Canada's federal government is changing course on immigration with a wave of tighter caps on newcomers and new rules for permanent and non-permanent residents.
BREAKING Woman, father killed on New Year's Eve were victims of intimate partner violence: Halifax police
Halifax police are investigating three deaths that are connected – two of which they say were homicides resulting from intimate partner violence – in the city on New Year’s Eve.
Local Spotlight
Organist provides winning score at Moncton Wildcats hockey games
Lynden Steeves is living out a life-long dream every time he sits at his organ in front of a sold-out crowd for Moncton Wildcats hockey games.
From a mini fridge to a toy doll, here's what has been lost on public transit in Ontario this year
Most people understand the pain that comes with leaving a phone, wallet or umbrella behind on-board public transit and the despair of whether or not it'll ever be found again. Well, outside of those commonly forgotten valuables, items like a porcelain doll, Mac DeMarco vinyl record, mini-fridge, or a toaster oven with food still inside have also been left behind on public transit this year.
Regina butcher shop celebrates 100 years as meat staple in community
For 100 years, a Regina butcher shop has been a reliable source of meat for generations of families.
Louis Riel depicted as Lego figure
A first-of-its-kind figurine is paying tribute to the founder of Manitoba.
Reach for the Top; the past, present and future of a Canadian staple
For nearly 60 years, the national Reach for the Top competition has been putting the wits of Canadian students to the test. In 2024, students from about 500 schools across the country participated in the competition.
'I always loved dancing': Winnipeg dancer, 102, takes stage during Nutcracker production
An esteemed Winnipeg dancer graced the stage once again last week, more than eight decades after her debut.
Community partners in Windsor propose education campaign to veer people away from payday loans
In a move aimed at combatting the financial strain caused by payday loans, the City of Windsor is considering the launch of a comprehensive education campaign to promote alternative financial options.
Port Elgin, Ont. woman named Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard
A Port Elgin woman has been named one of three of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards in a recent contest.
'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game
For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game.