France national team coach Didier Deschamps has revealed his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel on October 10th in Budapest and Belgium on October 14th in Brussels.
Notable absences include Antoine Griezmann, who recently retired from international duty, and Kylian Mbappé. Inter defender Benjamin Pavard and Udinese forward Florian Thauvin have also been left out. However, six players from Italian clubs have made the cut: Maignan, Fofana, and Hernandez from AC Milan, Guendouzi from Lazio, Manu Koné from Roma, and Thuram from Inter.
The full squad list includes:
Goalkeepers: Maignan, Samba, Areola
Defenders: Clauss, Digne, W. Fofana, T. Hernandez, Konaté, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano
Midfielders: Camavinga, Fofana, Guendouzi, Koné, Tchouaméni, Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Barcola, Dembélé, Kolo-Muani, Nkunku, Olisé, Thuram
When asked about Pavard’s omission, Deschamps explained, “Benjamin plays, but not every game; I know what he can do.” Regarding Kalulu’s recent move to Juventus, the coach commented, “Obviously I follow several players, including him. I’ve been doing so since he played at Milan. He had a complicated season last year. A few weeks ago he signed for a big club like Juventus, so this is good for him.”
Addressing Mbappé’s absence, Deschamps stated, “I spoke with Kylian. He has a problem that is not serious. I’m not here to take risks, that’s why he’s not on the list.”
