France is camped out in chaos with Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate the latest to contract the virus

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Rabiot and Upamecano both missed France’s 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco due to a flu-like illness with Koeman also out.

All players have been isolated and not allowed to mix with their teammates although coach Didier Deschamps is confident they are ready for the final against Argentina. However, the fear is that other players may catch the disease and an update is expected later today.

France also imposed additional measures at its team hotel, including social distancing, more sterilization, and ordered staff at the five-star luxury Messilah Hotel, Resort & Spa to wear masks. There are no Covid tests taking place and, hopefully, the players are being kept in a bubble.

“In Doha, the temperatures have dropped a little bit, and there is air conditioning on all the time,” said Deschamps. “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms. We’re trying to be careful not to spread it and the players have worked really hard on the pitch and obviously their immune system is suffering.

After the win over Morocco, midfielder Aurelien Tchoamene said the players were asked to use hand sanitizer while Deschamps confirmed that Uppicano and Koeman were “overheated” and could not play.

The theory that the virus was caught through contact with the England players – Declan Rice had missed a day’s training due to illness but was not showing the same symptoms – spread after the match.

It was questioned why the FA required journalists in the mixed zone – where they talk to players – to wear masks but it was not a special request. As a precaution, the FA insisted on this throughout the tournament.

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