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…
