RAMI TO REPLACE VARANE FOR FRANCE

Sevilla’s Adil Rami is set to replace Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in the French squad that will play in Euro 2016.

The hopes of the Real Madrid star player took a blow forcing Didier Deschamps to seek back-up assistance from the Sevilla centre-half. Rami has now been called up to the squad due to the thigh injury sustained by Varane. The announcement was made by the French Football Federation (FFF).

Real Madrid announced on Sunday Varane had suffered a grade two muscle tear in his left thigh, but no timeframe on his recovery was supplied by the club. The injury will reportedly keep him out of Saturday's Champions League final against rivals Atletico Madrid in Milan.

France coach Didier Deschamps has subsequently summoned Rami in a move that does not bode well for Varane's chances of competing in the European Championship on home soil. France are one of the top favourites to lift the trophy.

However, no decision on the 23-year-old's place in the squad will be made until further news on his condition is received. A statement from the FFF reads: "Following the injury to Raphael Varane and awaiting additional information on the medical status of the Real Madrid defender, Didier Deschamps has called up Adil Rami, who will join the France team on Tuesday night at Clairefontaine."

Sevilla centre-back Rami started the Europa League 3-1 triumph over Liverpool last week and the 2-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona on Sunday. He was not included in Deschamps' initial 23-man squad, nor named as one of the eight players on standby as the wing was felt to be well covered.

Rami could feature in the planned friendlies to get comfortable with the rest of the team. France will play against Cameroon and Scotland before France begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Romania in Paris on June 10. As hosts, they are one of the favourites to win the tournament, with bookmaker StanJames offering betting odds of just 4/1. germany are the favourites at 3/1.