Kylian Mbappe could be used as a central striker vs Argentina (Image: Getty)
France could opt to play Kylian Mbappe down the middle as a central striker for their World Cup final against Argentina. Mbappe has terrorised defences at the World Cup by operating from the left flank for the majority of the tournament but Didier Deschamps could be forced into a late tweak amid injury concerns over striker Olivier Giroud.
Thuram, who regularly plays out wide, was tested out as a striker and could be drafted in should Giroud fail a late fitness test. The Borussia Mönchengladbach star was brought on for Giroud in France's semi-final victory over Morocco and operated as a striker in that game.
However, Mbappe was also tried out as a central striker in a surprising move from Deschamps, having scored five goals so far this tournament from playing on the left side. Mbappe is accustomed to playing centrally and does play in that position for Paris Saint-Germain regularly.
Argentina will most likely be preparing for Mbappe to start on the left, so it could come as a shock to Lionel Scaloni's men if he ends up playing up front. Despite Giroud's injury, France were given with a boost ahead of the final with all 24 available players returning to action for their final training session, including injury concerns Théo Hernandez and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
France's preperations had been rocked by an outbreak of camel flu and saw the camp implement strict rules in a bid to stop it spreading. Several players had been feeling unwell, with Adrien Rabiot, Ibrahima Konate, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano and Kingsley Coman all affected. However, the players now seemed to have recovered with Varane and Upamecano expected to start on Sunday against Argentina. France are bidding to become only the third team ever after Italy and Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups but have Lionel Messi and co standing in their way.
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Didier Deschamps fears some France fans will be willing Lionel Messi on in his last World Cup (Image: Getty)
"In the World Cup final you have a match, but also a whole context behind it,” Deschamps explained. “The objective is to come out with the title. I know Argentinian fans and maybe some French people would hope Lionel Messi can win the World Cup but we are going to do everything to achieve our objective."
He added: “I often get that feeling (of being a party pooper) but I am fine being alone, that doesn’t bother me. Most fans will probably support Argentina because they are Argentinian, or will be supporting that team. There will be a very festive atmosphere, as Argentinians are a very passionate people, they get behind their team and that is a positive thing, it is good to have an atmosphere like that in a World Cup final.
“But our opponents aren’t in the crowd, they are a team we face on the pitch and they are a good enough team to be worried about them. Both teams have the same objective and only one will come out with a third star.”