The young OL defender was injured last Friday during the preparation match against Australia. A real tactical asset in the team, the player suffers from a sprained ankle. His probable absence during the match against Jamaica could well weaken the game of the Blues.
Image of dread Friday July 14 on the lawn of the Marvel stadium in Melbourne. OL defender Selma Bacha leaves the field on a stretcher, after injuring her ankle during additional time in Les Bleues’ last preparation match for the 2023 World Cup. More fear than harm, the player does not suffers only from a sprain, but this could well penalize the Blue, already deprived of several major assets on injury (Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Amandine Henry, Delphine Cascarino…), on this start of the World Cup.
Because Selma Bacha, originally from Lyon, is a centerpiece within the team. Since the arrival of coach Hervé Renard, the 22-year-old has been established three times out of four, and her presence in the standard team at the World Cup was beyond doubt. She was even given the left flank of the attack, and that of midfield relay at the end of the match against Ireland (3-0) in early July. An unexpected choice, as she evolves more into a position of left side defender.“I put her in a place where, with her quality of races, she can replace anyone. With her energy, her activity, you have the impression that she can play everywhere, except in the axis center. It’s an indispensable asset.”testifies Hervé Renard.
His probable absence during the match against Jamaica (Sunday July 23, 12:00 p.m.), and perhaps against Brazil four days later could therefore weigh on the team’s game. But also on his morale. “She always gives us energy, she never stops”, testifies the medium Sandie Toletti Friday. However, no other choice than to do without this pillar of the dynamics of the Blue.
However, it is difficult to find such a complete profile. Several leads are 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 does not intend to forfeit. She is never far from her teammates. After her injury, the young woman remained in treatment inside the training center, just next to the lawn. She was even able to put on her two crampons for a photo shoot on Friday. “She has a smile so it’s great”rejoiced her teammate Sakina Karchaoui this Sunday. She is often cheerful, so it’s good to have her with us in the group.” “Her presence off the pitch, we always notice her, she remains full of life”added the player Vicki Becho. “We have a good medical staff, they will take good care of her.” The first signs, in any case, are encouraging: Selma Bacha is already moving around without crutches, and her ankle is only supported by a splint.
