France is through to the Davis Cup final after Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement defeated Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 to clinch a 3-0 victory against Argentina.
Both teams have been badly hit by injuries. France was missing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has not played since Wimbledon because of a knee problem. Argentina was without Juan Martin del Potro, sidelined since May because of wrist surgery.
The singles players who did take the court were also struggling. Monfils, who hurt his ankle during training earlier this week, won his singles match against David Nalbandian, who twisted his ankle at the U.S. Open. Michael Llodra was also playing through ankle problems while winning his singles and doubles. He opened the tie by defeating Juan Monaco, who has had difficulty regaining his form since coming back from a wrist injury.
France is now through to the final and will face either Serbia or the Czech Republic.
"I am here because I have been better lately but also because others were injured," said Clement after justifying French captain Guy Forget's decision to pick the 32-year-old for the doubles.
"I now want [everybody] to be fit for the final so that Guy can pick the best ones."