Griezmann ends 84-games streak with France due to ankle injury
Antoine Griezmann will not suit up for France for this month’s friendlies against Germany and Chile after he suffered an ankle injury.
The injury officially ends the Atletico Madrid forward’s streak of playing 84 games for the country.
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Griezmann sustains ankle injury
Griezmann has played for France in every match since the team’s friendly over England in June 2017.
Les Bleu will play their final friendlies before the Euro 2024 tournament from June 14-July 14.
Coach Didier Deschamps said the 32-year-old is “not irreplaceable but essential” for the national team.
Griezmann missed four games for Atletico before returning last week and contributing to their Champions League win against Inter Milan.
He also played in Atletico’s 3-0 LaLiga defeat against Barcelona last Sunday.
“Antoine has a problem with his ankle, which reacted even though he played 45 minutes last night,” Deschamps said.
“With Antoine’s qualities, we’re not going to find a player who has his characteristics,” Deschamps said.
“A replacement position for position is very, very, very difficult to find. We will arrange things differently.”
Meanwhile, Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi will replace Griezmann in the 23-man squad.
Guendouzi, 24, last played for the World Cup.
Griezmann loyal to France
Griezmann has 127 caps for France.
He is Les Bleu’s fourth-highest scorer with 44 goals.
Last month, the French striker expressed interest in playing for the home country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I know my body,” he said. “We have top-level physios, and there is no reason to worry.”
“I will speak to the [Atlético] management in due time, to see if they will let me go.”
