Olivier Giroud Leaves USA vs. France Match Covered in Blood After Head Injury
June 9, 2018
France striker Olivier Giroud may be a doubt for the start of the 2018 World Cup after leaving Saturday's 1-1 draw with the United States because of a head injury.
Ousmane Dembele replaced Giroud in the 58th minute. The Chelsea star inadvertently clashed heads with U.S. defender Matt Miazga, which left both players bloodied (warning: contains graphic images):
Medical staff placed a wrap round Giroud's head before he walked off the pitch under his own power.
France opens the 2018 World Cup against Australia on June 16, which could leave Giroud in a proverbial race against the clock to get cleared in time to play.
Losing Giroud, even if just for the opening match, would be a big blow for France, as he's the only natural striker coach Didier Deschamps will take to Russia. The absence of a prototypical No. 9 could leave Les Bleus in trouble when facing off with Australia, which will likely play a more direct, defensive style.
In terms of the bigger picture, Giroud's presence makes it much easier for Deschamps to set France up in a 4-3-3, which is arguably the best formation to maximize the skill and creativity of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe. Take Giroud out of the equation, and it becomes much harder to accommodate the embarrassment of riches in the French squad.
