France fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against the United States in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up for Les Blues, but the result was secondary to the well-being of two Chelsea players, striker Olivier Giroud and loanee defender Matt Miazga, who clashed heads around the hour-mark while battling for a corner. Both were substituted immediately following on-pitch treatment.
With memories of Gary Cahill’s collision with Ryan Mason last year still fresh in our minds, which ended Mason’s career and nearly his life, the copious amount of blood pouring out of Miazga’s head was certainly concerning. Fortunately, neither player suffered a skull injury, though stitches were required — 6 for Giroud and 15 for Miazga.
Miazga was also confirmed to be under concussion protocol.
Dave Sarachan says Matt Miazga took 15 stitches in his head. USSF spokesman adds Miazga has started concussion protocol and will be monitored, Sarachan didn't think Miazga has a concussion tho. #usmnt
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 9, 2018
Hopefully Giroud will be similarly monitored, even if he himself thinks he’s fine. “It’s part of the job,” he says as he wipes blood away from his stitched forehead.
Most reports expect Giroud to be a “doubt” for France’s opener at the World Cup, next Saturday against Australia.
There won’t be any doubt over N’Golo Kanté, hopefully, who completed the full 90 on Saturday, nor Andreas Christensen, who put in a solid shift for Denmark in back-four as they beat Mexico 2-0. Elsewhere, César Azpilicueta was an unusued substitute for Spain as they squeaked out a 1-0 win over Tunisia.