November 10 – French coach Didier Deschamps has named only a 25-man squad for the World Cup, despite being able to select one more, and has included Raphael Varane even though the Manchester United defender tore his hamstring last month.
The reigning champions have been hit by a number of injuries, not least Varane, who has 87 international caps and played a huge part when France won the 2018 World Cup.
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us. Nothing is bigger than the World Cup. But I have total faith in my players,” said Deschamps whose country attempts the unlikely feat of winning back-to-back World Cups. “You can’t change the physical form players are in.”
Veteran striker Olivier Giroud was selected after some fine performances for AC Milan this season at the age of 36.
But France will be without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, depriving Deschamps of his two best midfielders from the 2018 tournament.
“It hasn’t been the easiest choice. But my fellow coaches have faced the same problems during this period,” Deschamps said. “Players have been getting injured and may still get injured.”
But Deschamps has an attack packed with pace and skill including Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann
No team has successfully defended the trophy since Brazil in 1962 but Deschamps believes injury concerns could actually improve his side’s chances.
“French teams are not at their best when they’re in a comfort zone,” he said. “We can’t say that we’re in one now.”
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alphone Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes).
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig).
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