The high ambitions displayed by the new coach of the Blues, hired at the end of March to succeed Corinne Diacre, collide with the (bad) news from the infirmary.

The absence of "MAK", its only international centre-forward, adds to the withdrawal of Delphine Cascarino, another injured attacking nugget, and the pessimism surrounding Griedge Mbock, an experienced defender engaged in an ultra-tight race against the clock.

In Australia, Hervé Renard will have to bring out his magic box, as he was able to do in the men's by winning the African Cup of Nations with modest Zambia, in 2012, or by taming Lionel Messi's Argentina with Saudi Arabia, last November at the World Cup.

The French will therefore go to the other side of the world without Katoto, the 24-year-old star striker, insufficiently recovered from the serious injury suffered last summer during the Euro.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker, not yet back to competition, underwent medical examinations Tuesday morning in Clairefontaine. The medical staff of the selection and her club considered that she was "not fit" to participate in the World Cup (July 20-August 20), according to sources close to the player and the Blues.

His "recovery is on track but it's too fair for a big competition," explained to AFP the entourage of the N.9.

16 goals in 15 matches

Without Katoto (32 caps, 26 goals), the Blues are orphaned by an exceptional striker, able to pile up 16 goals in 15 international matches last season, until her double injury against Belgium in the first round of Euro-2022: rupture of a ligament in the right knee and meniscus fissure.

The player born in Colombes (Hauts-de-Seine), not selected by Diacre for the 2019 World Cup in France, represents a unique profile in the landscape of French football, and the reservoir of centre-forwards likely to replace her appears quite thin.

Renard hoped to count on her during the tournament, even "30 minutes in the final", but he had announced that he did not want to force fate.

"We will make sure to respect the medical aspect, the athletic aspect so as not to go against the physical integrity of this player who still has a bright future ahead of her," the coach said on May 21 in an interview with AFP.

The name of Katoto will not appear in the list that will be unveiled by the new boss of the Blues on June 6.

Without her, Cascarino and probably Mbock, there will be some big names in the current France team, starting with captain Wendie Renard, full-back Sakina Karchaoui, midfielder Grace Geyoro and winger Kadidiatou Diani.

"Kadi" has not played since an injury at the end of March, but she should be recovered in time: "The first week of training went well, I have good feelings," she said Sunday at the UNFP trophy ceremony, showing confidence about the upcoming deadlines.

A rare piece of good news, in a sea of annoyances.

© 2023 AFP