Kossounou (thigh) played 60 minutes of Monday's 2-0 friendly victory against Philadelphia Union II, confirming his return ahead of Ivory Coast's World Cup opener against Ecuador on June 14.
Analysis:
Kossounou had been training separately from the group after suffering a grade one biceps femoris strain that ruled him out of Atalanta's final two matches of the season, making his extended run-out a significant relief for coach Emerse Fae. The center-back contributed to four clean sheets across 29 appearances (20 starts) this season, posting 29 tackles, 22 interceptions and 55 clearances, and his return to fitness gives Ivory Coast their preferred defensive options ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.
