Didier Deschamps: Antoine Griezmann 'not irreplaceable' for France

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 14 November 2016

Didier Deschamps claims that France can cope without Antoine Griezmann, but admits that the Atletico Madrid striker is "an important and decisive player" for Les Bleus.

France manager Didier Deschamps has insisted that his side can cope with the absence of Antoine Griezmann after losing their star striker to injury.

The Atletico Madrid ace was forced to pull out of Les Bleus' squad for the friendly with Ivory Coast on Tuesday because of injury sustained in the game against Sweden last week.

Griezmann's club side confirmed earlier today that his foot was not broken, meaning that he could make a swift return to action, but Deschamps is confident that France have other options to fill the void in the future if required.

"Nobody is irreplaceable," he told reporters. "Antoine is very important for us, he made himself essential to this France team. But he is not here.

"I didn't call someone up [to replace him] because it didn't make much sense, just two days before the game. I've already had some changes to make. I am confident with the 22 players available.

"I hope he will be available in the future. The team will be different without him, but even if Antoine is an important and decisive player, there are other players who will have the opportunity to prove themselves."

Griezmann has started all 10 of Atleti's La Liga games this term, scoring six goals and setting up a further four.