Jeremy Toulalan Remains A Doubt For France’s World Cup Play-Off Against Ireland

Olympique Lyonnais destroyer Jeremy Toulalan may not feature for France against the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday because of an adductor problem.

A stalwart of France’s qualifying campaign, Toulalan has been a metronome in the side, providing simple, largely unheralded, protection of the defence.

L’Equipe, however, believe that the 26-year-old, who has 30 caps for his country, has been playing through the pain barrier for OL in recent weeks because of their crippling problems in the heart of their defence – a position largely alien to the former Nantes man.

If Toulalan is not selected to play in Ireland, Girondins de Bordeaux anchor Alou Diarra is set to replace him. A player not so confident with the ball at his feet, the former Liverpool man possesses defensive qualities that are almost the equal to Toulalan. A key difference between the two could be Diarra’s prowess in the air.

Les Bleus have, according to an interview with Julien Escude in France Football, been preparing for a bombardment from the Boys in Green, so the additional height and power that the 28-year-old commands in that particular department would be extremely useful.

Meanwhile, Abou Diaby, who club manager Arsene Wenger has said will miss the next three weeks, has been declared fit to stay with the French squad by Raymond Domenech, doubtless attracting the ire of the international game hating Arsenal boss.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com