Didier Deschamps plays down Olivier Giroud injury fears

Didier Deschamps has said that he expects Olivier Giroud to feature in France's opening World Cup fixture, despite suffering a nasty head injury in the friendly draw with the United States.

Giroud was forced off the field following a clash of heads with opposition defender Matt Miazga, which required a number of stitches to stem the blood.

Deschamps was quick to play down fears that Giroud will spend any length of time on the sidelines, however, insisting that the Chelsea ace will be considered for selection against Australia next weekend.

"Olivier Giroud has a beautiful cut of six centimetres. But he will be able to face Australia," he told reporters.

Deschamps also revealed that Paul Pogba is "very likely" to start against the Aussies on Saturday.