Monfils was the stand-in, with expectations (in the media) that he might be called up in place of one of the others.
But Herbert has a right thigh injury and Gael (who, to be honest, few expected to end up playing, one way or another) has a left knee-cap and achilles problem. So they're out.
With Andy too, it's going to be like a walking wounded encounter.......
So we've 'only' got Benneteau (RG winner in doubles; finalist in doubles at last year's Wimbledon) and Chardy coming in ... after four of their top players go out.
If we take a quick look at the ties this week, France v GB is probably on paper the single most one sided.
Based on rankings, Belgium v Italy would be 2-2 on singles and Italy would swing the doubles. But a possible 3-2 is being played in Belgium and so hard to call, possibly impossible to call. And realistically the doubles is impossibly to call also in this tie
Australia v USA also is 2-2 based on singles . Australia have the higher ranked doubles players but in singles a lot depends on NK and this match is also v hard to call, likely to be another 3-2 tie.
Ad Serbia v Spain also show as 2-2 on singles rankings and with a doubles of Troicki and Zimonjic (probably ) v Marc Lopez and Carreno Busta (Granollers has withdrawn) as a scratch pairing, that one is equally hard to call - again 3-2 written all over it.
The France v GB tie based on rankings as 5-0 written all over it and even with strong displays from our guys, it is hard to see us finding 3 wins across the board. I hope I am not being too pessimistic!
But with the other matches being so close, it should be an interesting weekend!
Indoor hard and home tie should be enough for Goff and Darcis to take this for me, home win.
The yanks might prove a solid match for the Aussies. This is really hard to call. All the US team comfortable at singles and dubs and although Kyrios's form might take this to a fifth rubber, I still think the Yanks will win this, just, away win.
Serbia should win with Nole but I don't think much of the rest and could be tight this one. Home win I guess..
GB will romp it of course, probably 5 nil or something. Looking forward to the challenge and if we can nick a rubber on day1..
Come on GB!!
Absolutely fantastic that Jay has been included. Dan playing for himself this year has been inspired. Generally he is a team man through and through. The boys will not go down without a fight. Agincourt, Waterloo ..... Rouen ... there are a few historical precedents, to quote from he good captain (mannering) 'they just don't like it up them!'
Indoor hard and home tie should be enough for Goff and Darcis to take this for me, home win.
The yanks might prove a solid match for the Aussies. This is really hard to call. All the US team comfortable at singles and dubs and although Kyrios's form might take this to a fifth rubber, I still think the Yanks will win this, just, away win.
Serbia should win with Nole but I don't think much of the rest and could be tight this one. Home win I guess..
GB will romp it of course, probably 5 nil or something. Looking forward to the challenge and if we can nick a rubber on day1.. Come on GB!!
I think I am with you on Belgium and Serbia, just, but favour Australia to win. I have to say I like Kyrgios, I really do - but then I was always a fan of Mac and Connors so tend to like that type of player (my best tennis memory is the day my Dad took me to Wimbledon Court 1 (the old court 1) when I was just finished with my O levels and seeing Mac play one of the Gullikson twins and have the famous "Pits of the World" outburst! I also saw John Lloyd beat Phil Dent that day in 5 sets and would love to think some of that spirit will be with the GB team in Rouen!