Hugo Lloris withdraws from France squad after injury

 

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has withdrawn from the latest France squad for the Nations League matches against Austria and Denmark after suffering a thigh injury.

The Tottenham captain played his part on Saturday evening as Tottenham recorded a 6-2 triumph over Leicester to maintain their fine start. That lifted Spurs up alongside Manchester City with five wins and two draws from their seven matches played. However, Arsenal usurped the two clubs to top spot on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Brentford.

Lloris’ exit perhaps come as a surprise as there were little signs of the injury, to his right thigh during the game. He played all 90 minutes, pulling off some excellent saves to keep the Foxes at bay. As such, his injury may only be for precautionary reasons.

With two weeks before Spurs return to action, they will hope Lloris has plenty of time to fully recover. Still, they will nervously hope the injury is nothing serious given their next game is the clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 1 October.

Lloris has been a crucial component in Tottenham’s form this season. He has kept three clean sheets from nine outings, with Spurs sitting third going into the international break.

Indeed, Antonio Conte’s side have lost just once in all competitions this season, that being the 2-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

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Lloris’ withdrawal has opened up a slot in the France squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Didier Deschamps initially called up Lloris as his No 1, with Milan’s Mike Maignan and Alphonse Areola offering support.

As such, plenty will have fancied Leeds keeper Illand Meslier – a regular with France Under-21s – to earn a maiden senior call-up.

Meslier has been in fine form this season, with the 5-2 loss at Brentford the one blot on his copybook. Even then, it’s not like the keeper was at fault for any of the Bees’ goals.