In a significant blow to the French national team, midfield maestro Paul Pogba has been ruled out of their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Finland due to a right thigh injury. The news, confirmed by the French football federation (FFF), throws a spotlight on Didier Deschamps’ squad depth as they stand on the precipice of securing their ticket to Qatar. Here at Baji, we delve deep into the tactical implications, the historical context, and what this means for Les Bleus’ immediate future.
The Injury Blow and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred during a training session at France’s national team camp. Team doctor Franck Le Gall was seen accompanying a concerned Pogba off the pitch, a sight that immediately raised alarm bells among fans and pundits. The FFF’s subsequent statement was succinct but impactful: “Paul Pogba is forced to withdraw from France’s next two games.”
This setback compounds a frustrating period for the Manchester United star. He was already serving a suspension from club football, missing his side’s heavy defeat to Manchester City and their subsequent rebound victory against Tottenham Hotspur. National team coach Didier Deschamps had initially expressed optimism about Pogba’s mood, noting he was “happy” to join up with the squad, making this injury all the more untimely.
In his place, Deschamps has moved swiftly to call upon the experience of AS Roma’s Jordan Veretout. This replacement signals a potential shift in midfield strategy, swapping Pogba’s unparalleled creative flair and vertical passing for Veretout’s disciplined positioning, relentless engine, and goal threat from midfield.
France’s Qualification Scenario and the Road to Qatar
The mission for Deschamps’ squad remains crystal clear. Sitting atop Group D with 12 points from six games, a victory against bottom-placed Kazakhstan at the Parc des Princes will mathematically secure their place in the 2022 World Cup finals. The equation is simple, but in football, nothing is ever a given.
Despite the seemingly straightforward task, Deschamps was quick to issue a stern warning against complacency in his pre-match press conference. He emphasized the collective focus required, stating, “The important thing is to reach our goal… We must not think that we are already qualified because it is only Kazakhstan. We’re going into the game with all our determination and strength to win.”
This mindset is crucial. While Kazakhstan has yet to win a game in this qualifying cycle, international football is famous for its potential for shock results. The absence of a game-changer like Pogba means France cannot rely on a moment of individual brilliance to break down a potentially stubborn defense; they will need a cohesive, professional team performance.
Tactical Analysis: Life Without Pogba
Pogba‘s role in this French team is unique. Often deployed in a left-sided midfield role for his country, he is given the freedom to dictate play, unleash his extraordinary passing range, and drive the team forward. His chemistry with forwards like Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema is a cornerstone of France’s attacking playbook.
His absence forces a recalibration. The introduction of Jordan Veretout suggests a possible partnership with Atlético Madrid’s Thomas Lemar and the ever-reliable N’Golo Kanté. This trio offers immense work rate and tactical intelligence but lacks Pogba’s inherent unpredictability. Baji analysis suggests we may see a more structured, possession-based approach, with a greater reliance on the attacking full-backs and the individual genius of the forward line to create chances.
This isn’t entirely unfamiliar territory for Deschamps. France has navigated qualifying campaigns and even won a World Cup by being a pragmatic, resilient unit. As one of our resident football experts, Michael Carter, often notes, “Deschamps’ France is built on a foundation of collective strength. While Pogba is a stellar talent, the system is designed to withstand such setbacks. It’s the next-man-up mentality of champions.”
Looking Beyond the Qualifiers
For Manchester United fans, this injury adds another layer of concern to Pogba‘s season. After a bright start, his campaign has been disrupted by the suspension and now this muscle issue. His fitness will be closely monitored upon his return to club duty, with a packed Premier League and European schedule looming.
For France, qualification is the immediate and only priority. Once secured, the focus can shift to getting Pogba fully fit and integrated back into the squad ahead of the World Cup draw and the tournament itself, where he will be indispensable if Les Bleus are to defend their crown.
The Road to Qatar Hits a Bump, But France Presses On
The loss of Paul Pogba is undoubtedly a significant moment in France’s qualifying campaign. It tests their squad depth and tactical flexibility. However, with world-class talent across the pitch and a manager renowned for his pragmatic approach, Baji believes the world champions still have more than enough quality to secure the necessary results against Kazakhstan and Finland.
The path may have become slightly more complicated, but the destination remains the same. The focus now shifts to how Didier Deschamps masterminds his team’s success without their midfield linchpin. How do you think France will cope without Pogba? Will Veretout slot in seamlessly, or will another player need to step up? Share your thoughts and predictions with the Baji community below.
