Alarm bells rang in France on Tuesday, and I'm not talking about the ones on Notre-Dame. It was reported Paul Pogba was absent from 'Les Bleus' training, but there's no reason to surrender hope. France boast an array of formidable understudies.
The Manchester United midfielder's performances as of late have been lacklustre to say the least. The Frenchman spent half the game on the floor against Crystal Palace, and his cameo against Sevilla was characterised by a dreadfully wonky pass to the advertising hoardings.
This Friday, France host Colombia in their own backyard. Although Pogba is now a doubt, there is no need for fans to lose sleep. With unparalleled class in depth, France can sail optimistically into this battle.
- One in, one out -
A simple switch could be the solution for Didier Deschamps. With the coach often favouring a 4-3-3 line-up, the most likely option is a like-for-like alteration. Given the industrious attitude of N'Golo Kante, the international experience of Blaise Matuidi and the creativity of Adrien Rabiot, Deschamps would have all the ingredients for a midfield delight. That leaves Corentin Tolisso on standby should a component of the engine room malfunction.
- Park the bus -
Playing with three at the back is becoming more and more trendy in 'the beautiful game,' afterall, Pep Guardiola does it. Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane, despite contractually hating each other at club level, are a daunting duo for any striker. But who could join them? Well, look no further than PSG academy export Presnel Kimpembe. The 22-year-old may be young, but has shown limitless talent in the French capital this season. Kimpembe - Varane - Umtiti. Solid.
- Top heavy -
It's a courageous tactic but why not? Four strikers can only mean four times the threat. Poster boy Antoine Griezmann will undoubtedly be the first name on the team sheet having recently scored eight goals in four games for Atlético. With starlets Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé accompanying Greizmann on the wings, that leaves room for either Olivier Giroud or Wissam Ben Yedder, the man who single-handedly toppled United, to charge down the middle.
It's clear that Deschamps will not be short for options should Pogba sit this one out. After claiming runners-up medals at Euro 2016, France will be hoping to go all the way in Russia. Whilst Pogba is expected to be an instrumental figure at the World Cup, he's by no means irreplaceable.