New Delhi, May 2 -- When France opens their World Cup campaign on 17 June against Senegal at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, they will do so as one of the firm favourites to lift the greatest prize in the game. Winners in 2018 and finalists in 2022, France will arrive on US soil brimming, as usual, with some of the finest players on the global stage right now. But in what state will these footballers find themselves at the game's greatest show? Energised, fresh, and raring to go? Most unlikely.

France is already battling with injuries and injury scares. Their lanky new forward, Hugo Ekitike, who was one of the few bright sparks in a difficult season for Liverpool, and who was all set to partner the phenomenal Kylian Mbappe, has been r...