PADERBORN, Germany, 14th June, 2024 (WAM) -- French striker Olivier Giroud said the team is ready for its Euro 2024 opening match against Austria on Monday following reports that the squad had been hit by a wave of illness, German news agency DPA reported on Friday.
"You should not worry too much. Apart from (Kingsley) Coman, everyone was fresh and ready," Giroud said in a news conference on Friday. He added that Coman's situation "it is not very bad" and that he is feeling better.
According to several media reports on Thursday, coach Didier Deschamps, attacking player Coman and several other members of the squad were affected by an inflammation of the nose and throat.
During a public training session on Thursday, French top star Kylian Mbappe was missing, but Giroud said he was only resting. "He won't lose his fitness if he misses one or two training sessions. He will be ready for the first game," the striker said.
France also face the Netherlands and Poland in Group D.
Polish striker Lewandowski fit to play
Meanwhile, Poland coach Michal Probierz expressed his confidence that his injured star striker Robert Lewandowski will play at the Euro 2024, even though he will miss the first game due to injury. "His treatment is making progress. The medical staff are doing everything they can to get him back on his feet," Probierz said in a news conference on Friday.
The 35-year-old Lewandowski tore a muscle in his thigh during the last warm-up against Turkey on Monday, which the Poles won 2-1. The Barcelona forward will definitely miss the opening game against the Netherlands on Sunday, but Probierz believes he will be available for the second Group D game against Austria on 21st June.
“Robert will probably join the squad for the game against Austria.” the coach said.
Belgium's Witsel not well
Defender Axel Witsel did not participate in Belgium's team training on Friday ahead of their Euro 2024 opening match against Slovakia on Monday. Witsel was also unable to train with the squad in the past few days due to muscular problems.
Coach Domenico Tedesco is facing a challenge to line up his defence. Veteran Jan Vertonghen is dealing with pain in his groin, while Arthur Theate has injured his ankle.
Right-back Thomas Meunier, meanwhile, is doubtful for the tournament due to a muscle injury. He has not travelled to Germany yet and is expected to join the squad only when recovered.
Belgium also face Romania and Ukraine in Group E.