France are expected to be without both Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne for their European Championship final 16 match against Switzerland on Monday, which will force coach Didier Deschamps to an emergency transformation to cover the hole that their absence leaves for left-back.
Hernandez had already missed France’s second Group F match against Hungary with a knee problem and lasted just 45 minutes of the crunch fixture against Portugal. Digne replaced him at half-time but was forced by himself with injury just minutes into the second half.
The French broadcaster RMC has reported that scans have not revealed any long-term concerns over either Hernandez or Digne, which would mean both are suitable to return later in the tournament – if France move on. At the moment, however, it is likely that none of them will play against Switzerland in Bucharest.
Both players will continue to be evaluated every day, but in order for neither of them to be completely excluded, it is said to be more promising news than the French camp expected.
Lucas Digne was injured after replacing Hernandez against Portugal / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
The question for Deschamps will find suitable coverage in the left back against Switzerland.
Adrien Rabiot replaced Digne on the pitch against Portugal and would be considered a challenger to fill in, while Presnel Kimpembe is left-handed and has played a lot at left-back in the past. However, the PSG man has started every game in midfield and moving him from the center can cause more disruption than finding an alternative left-back.
Right-backs Benjamin Pavard and Leo Dubois are both versatile enough to temporarily play on the left, whether that means Dubois comes straight into the team on the left-back or Pavard shifts to the left and is then replaced on the right by either Dubois or Jules Kounde.
Benjamin Pavard can play at left back if needed but was lost for the last match / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
Pavard was actually left out in a 2-2 draw with Portugal after concerns over his performances against Germany and Hungary, which may have been the result of knocks in both games.
Although of course he was a midfielder, Kounde replaced him in the line-up against Portugal to only make the second appearance in his senior international career.
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