The French handball team is playing its only two preparation matches for the World Cup from Wednesday in Strasbourg with the aim, less than a week before the start of the competition, to gain momentum, collectively and individually for executives in recovery.
The start of the year brought two good news to the Blues as they faced the Czech Republic on Wednesday then Portugal on Friday, before attacking the World Cup on January 14 against Qatar in Porec (Croatia).
Elohim Prandi and Dika Mem, two key players in the back base, were declared good for service, a challenge a few months ago: the first (left back) dislocated his left shoulder on November 6 against Sweden, while the second (right back) had surgery on his right shoulder two weeks later.
The coach, who for the World Cup (January 14-February 2 in Croatia, Norway and Denmark) will have to reduce his group to 18 players with the possibility of making five changes during the duration of the competition, does not rule out flying for the Balkans with Descat.
“These two friendly matches in Strasbourg should also allow us to see things a little more clearly and to be able to announce the group which will fly to Croatia,” explains Gille.
“I hope that this French tournament (the two matches in Strasbourg) and the start of the competition will allow us to confirm the positive waves that we are receiving” says Ludovic Fabregas, the new captain. Notably by the announced return of Mem and Prandi, which seemed very unlikely two months ago.
The match between France and the Czech Republic takes place this Wednesday, January 8, at 7:15 p.m. at Rhénus Sport in Strasbourg. It can be followed on the L’Équipe channel and on BeIN Sports 1.
