Les Bleues, bronze medalists at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, do not a priori have much to fear from their three future opponents (Mali on Thursday, Nigeria on Friday and China on Sunday).

Especially since the formula put in place by the International Federation (FIBA) leaves almost no chance for the unexpected since the first three nations of the group will get their sesame for the World Cup scheduled for September 22 to October 1 in Australia.

A victory in the first match against the Malians would thus almost ensure the presence of France in the antipodes.

But several last minute withdrawals came to upset the contours of the selection and it was without too many benchmarks that the French found themselves in Serbia.

With the defections of captain and top scorer Sandrine Gruda (knee), Endy Miyem (ankle) and Sarah Michel (Covid), these are three pillars that will be lacking.

In total, only six players out of the twelve called up participated in the Olympics.

The French women's basketball team bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, August 7, 2021 in Saitama Aris MESSINIS AFP / Archives

For his second rally at the head of the Blue since his appointment in November, Jean-Aimé Toupane therefore had to cast a wide net.

But the technician, who entrusted the captaincy to Alexia Chartereau, assumes his desire for refreshment.

"Renewing the Workforce"

"There are two objectives: to continue to win matches but also to renew the workforce, he explained. We want to open up and bring in young people with a view to the Paris-2024 Games. I am not closing any doors. ."

French international Olivia Epoupa against Belgium in the quarter-finals of the Basketball Euros, July 4, 2019 in Belgrade ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP / Archives

There is also room for reunions, like the recall of Olivia Epoupa, who missed the Olympics through injury.

"I'm happy to come back, said the leader. I was stopped in the middle of Euro-2021 from the first match, it was frustrating. The Games are months of preparation, sacrifice, investment and work but you have to know how to accept the situation and bounce back. You have to look forward."

This qualification window organized by FIBA ​​in the middle of the season is far from ideal for players who are already juggling an insane schedule between championships and European cups.

Added to this are the constraints linked to the coronavirus and the groupings carried out under a strict health bubble.

But France is rather well off compared to other countries like Belgium, forced to travel to Washington and then to the Dominican Republic to win its ticket for the World Cup.

“We are still lucky, admits general manager Céline Dumerc. We would ask ourselves other questions if we had to take a trip with jet lag. from one project to another. There is fatigue, the series of competitions, but coming to the France team gives you a boost, it's like a breath of fresh air."

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