France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Hugo Lloris will be sidelined from goalkeeping duty until the turn of the year after suffering ligament damage on his left elbow. The 32-year-old fell awkwardly during the opening two minutes of the recent Premier League game for Tottenham Hotspur and it was initially feared that he had suffered a fracture on his arm.
However, a further examination has confirmed that he has only sustained a dislocation with ligament damage but he is still expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time. Speaking in a news conference at the French HQ, Deschamps said that he cannot place a return date for the country’s captain but acknowledged that he won’t make a comeback before the turn of the year.
He told: “I spoke to him [Hugo]. He is on the mend. He had more exams this morning [Monday]. It is difficult today to say how long exactly he will be unavailable for. The possibility of a fracture has been ruled out but the ligaments have been damaged. I am not a doctor but I know that he will not be with us during this international break or the next one in November for sure. He will start a protocol now for his rehabilitation. But he will be out for a few weeks and a few months. He won’t play again in 2019 that is almost a certitude.”
Lloris has been culpable of making mistakes for club and country over the past few years but he has made up for the same with a number of standout displays. The absence of Lloris should witness Steve Mandanda start between the sticks for Les Bleus. Elsewhere, Paulo Gazzaniga should take up the number one role for Spurs, who are currently struggling in the ninth spot in the Premier League. Spurs return from the international break with a home game against bottom-placed Watford.