Germany

France turn to Randal Kolo Muani as they prepare for life after Giroud

13-Sep-2023 14:00:02 | The Guardian

PSG have built a front three of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Kolo Muani. They could also be a hit for France

By Luke Entwistle for Get French Football News

Olivier Giroud’s injury against the Republic of Ireland provided an opportunity for Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani to audition for the soon-to-be available No 9 jersey. Thuram was more convincing, but Kolo Muani is perhaps a more enticing long-term option.

As France’s record goalscorer Giroud sat grimacing, clutching his ankle on the Parc des Princes turf, Thuram and Kolo Muani could smell the scent of opportunity. Despite “reassuring” medical tests, the Milan striker nonetheless returned to Italy early, eager not to aggravate an ankle injury, identical to the one he suffered in the Champions League last season. “I will perhaps have to strap it to strengthen it, but it hasn’t been bad these past weeks,” said Giroud. Giroud will be 37 later this month, so the time to formulate a succession plan is finally upon us.