FRANCE: Lucas Hernandez has been called up to the France team for a friendly match against Germany and a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland, replacing midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba. Hernandez missed a significant portion of last season due to a cruciate ligament tear.
Hernandez moved to the French champions in July, although he has already appeared in three Ligue 1 games this season. Hernandez missed several months of last season after rupturing his cruciate ligament at the World Cup.
Arsenal defender William Saliba has returned to the team after a back injury, while Kante, a 2018 World Cup champion, has only made two appearances for France since 2022 due to injury issues.
France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that Saliba has played a few games in succession, with a decent level of league, despite the high temperatures.
Deschamps believes in Pogba’s ability to return to his best level despite only playing 161 minutes for Juventus last season due to knee surgery and muscle issues.
He believes younger players who performed admirably in the past are still eligible for selection. Pogba has only played as a substitute once for Juventus this season.
According to Deschamp, Pogba has the mental strength and experience, s, but it won’t happen overnight, and if he’s back to his best, he’ll be a serious candidate for the France team again.
SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba.
Defenders: Axel Disasi, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Boubacar Kamara, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni.
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram.
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