France coach Didier Deschamps to miss Euro 2024 draw after undergoing surgery

France coach Didier Deschamps won't attend Saturday’s draw for next year’s European Championship after undergoing surgery.

French federation said in a statement on Friday that Deschamps was operated on earlier this week after suffering back pain for several weeks. France will inste be represented by assistant coach Guy Stephan.

“It was not a light-hearted decision that I decided not to go to draw,” Deschamps was quoted as saying in statement. "It’s always a pleasant moment, during which I really enjoy chatting with my counterparts. But wisdom dictated a few days’ rest."

Tournament host Germany and France, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and England are in Pot 1 for 24-team draw in Hamburg.