It is perhaps unlikely that the France international players from Arsenal will not be in Russia next summer for the 2018 World Cup, but it could still happen, especially if they play like they did against Bulgaria the other day. Anything but a win at home to Belarus could leave then facing a play-off.
You would expect Les Bleus to beat Belarus who are bottom of that WCQ group, but there could be some real nerves and the French have suffered with them before. The pressure will be on Olivier Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette and every French player, especially now they have lost the two main midfielders Kante and Pogba.
I worry a bit about how disappointment against Belarus could affect the two Gunners, and they be in for some harsh words from the French media. Giroud had little time to impress in their narrow win over Bulgaria but Lacazette started and did not cover himself in glory, which is another concern from an Arsenal point of view.
Another factor would be the possible extra risk and effort the French players would have if they were involved in a fiercely fought two-legged play-off rather than a friendly or two.
We need both of these two strikers in form and feeling confident if the Gunners are to do well, so let’s hope they get the job done. Allez Les Bleus et Les Gunners!
Bob.