The young OL defender was injured last Friday during the preparatory match against Australia. A real tactical asset in the team: the player is suffering from a sprained ankle. His likely absence during the match against Jamaica could well weaken Blue’s game.
Scary image Friday, July 14 on the field of Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium. OL defender Selma Bacha leaves the field on a stretcher after injuring her ankle during extra time in Les Bleues’ final preparatory match for the 2023 World Cup. Not only does the player suffer from a sprain, but this could very well be could punish the Blues, who have already been deprived of some key possessions through injury (Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Amandine Henry, Delphine Cascarino…), about this start of the World Cup.
Because Selma Bacha, originally from Lyon, is a key figure within the team. Since the arrival of coach Hervé Renard, the 22-year-old has started three out of four times and her presence in the standard team at the World Cup was undisputed. She was even entrusted with the left flank of the attack, and that of relay midfielder at the end of the match against Ireland (3-0) in early July. An unexpected choice, as she plays more as a defender on the left flank.“I put her in a place where, because of her racing qualities, she can replace anyone. With her energy and her activity, we have the impression that she can play anywhere except in the center. It is an essential asset.”testifies Hervé Renard.
His probable absence during the match against Jamaica (Sunday, July 23, 12:00 noon), and perhaps against Brazil four days later, could therefore weigh on the team’s play. But also on his morale. “She always gives us energy, she never stops”, midfielder Sandie Toletti testified on Friday. However, there is no choice but to miss this pillar of Blue’s dynamism.
However, it is difficult to find such a complete profile. There are several options on the table. Clara Matéo (Paris FC) or Amel (Majri) offer an interesting technical touch, but not the same defensive guarantees. Ditto for Viviane Asseyi (West Ham) or even Vicki Becho (Lyon) or Naomie Feller (Real Madrid). The other option is to field defender Karchaoui as a winger and replace her in defense with Estelle Casacarino.
Fortunately, Selma Bacha has no intention of losing. She is never far from her teammates. After her injury, the young woman continued to receive treatment at the training center, right next to the field. On Friday she was even able to put on her two crampons for a photo shoot. “She laughs, so it’s great”his teammate Sakina Karchaoui rejoiced this Sunday. She is often cheerful, so it is good to have her in our group.” “We also notice her presence off the field, she remains full of life”added player Vicki Becho. “We have good medical staff, they will take good care of her.” In any case, the first signs are encouraging: Selma Bacha is already walking around without crutches and her ankle is only held in place by a splint.
