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Deschamps: Bloodied Giroud should be fit for World Cup

JEFF PACHOUD / AFP / Getty

France striker Olivier Giroud, who suffered a bloody wound on Saturday after a clash of heads with United States defender Matt Miazga, is expected to heal in time for the start of the World Cup next week.

The 31-year-old "has a beautiful cut of six centimetres but he should be ready," manager Didier Deschamps told TF1 on Sunday, per Reuters.

Giroud was left with a significant gash after attempting to meet a corner kick in the exhibition. France, which opens its World Cup campaign next Saturday against Australia, managed to salvage a 1-1 draw with the U.S.

It's unclear whether Deschamps will even select Giroud as one of his starters for the tournament. Les Bleus have arguably one of the best attacking units in the World Cup, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Nabil Fekir, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and Thomas Lemar also available for selection.

However, Deschamps did say star midfielder Paul Pogba is "very likely" to start against the Aussies. France also faces Peru and Denmark in Group C action.

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