Jules Kounde, a Sevilla defender, will have surgery on his hamstring on Tuesday after being withdrawn at halftime of France's 1-0 Nations League loss to Croatia.
The 23-year-old is a reported transfer target for Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, who were unable to clinch a deal 12 months ago but have rekindled their interest ahead of this season – though the injury may derail their intentions.
France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged that the team was aware of Kounde's injury ahead to the game, albeit the degree of his problem was not revealed until after the game.
"I was well aware of his current physical state. He will have a [surgical] intervention tomorrow [Tuesday] since he has an issue that has been bothering him for months "According to Deschamps.
Kounde, who has 11 caps for France, has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the world, rising to notice during Sevilla's Europa League triumph in 2019-20.
Kounde's versatility has seen him play down the right flank for France, despite his club's preference for center defenders.
Les Bleus' loss to Croatia in the Nations League closed off a dismal run for the defending champions, who are currently bottom of Group A1 with no wins in their first four games, placing them in serious danger of relegation.
After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers at the end of the season, the west London club is in need of defensive reinforcements.
Kounde was a key member of Sevilla's third-placed La Liga finish in 2021-22, making 44 games across all competitions.
Since making his senior debut last summer, he has become a fixture in Dechamps' France squads. Kounde has a total of 11 caps for his country.
"Again, the player, I am convinced, appreciates Sevilla FC," Sevilla chief executive Jose Maria Cruz said of Kounde's future a few days ago.
"He is content with us." It is not a question of money in the case of Kounde. It's only that he wants to play for a team that is more competitive than Sevilla.
"I'm convinced he's a player who would appeal to clubs like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and others." He wants to be a part of a team that is more competitive."
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