Kylian Mbappé absent from Didier Deschamps’ list, N’Golo Kanté also, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana back

Injured less than ten days ago, the captain of the Blues was not called up by his coach on Thursday to play the matches against Israel and Belgium on October 10 and 14.

A French team without Antoine Griezmann or Kylian Mbappé has not happened for many years. After the surprise announcement of the international retirement of the vice-captain, the captain of the Blues is just recovering from an injury contracted with Real Madrid on September 24.

The half hour spent on the pitch against Lille on Wednesday evening in the Champions League was not enough for Didier Deschamps to check his name on the list, unveiled Thursday October 3, for the 3rd and 4th days of the Nations League against Israel (October 10) and Belgium (October 14). “I spoke with Kylian. He has a problem which is not serious but which requires treatment to be able to recover properly. I am not here to take risks”justified the coach. N’Golo Kanté also “experienced an adductor problem the day before yesterday” which will prevent him from playing, said the coach about his midfielder.

Several important returns are worth noting, including Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Aurélien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), all three recovered from injury. Also note the presence of Mattéo Guendouzi in the group of 26 players called by the French technician. On the other hand, Adrien Rabiot, returned to Marseille but not summoned, “still needs time. His last match that he started was with us on July 9. It is wiser that he has weeks to perfect his condition. If all goes well, he will be available with us in November.”

On the other hand, Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), already the big absentee from the previous gathering in September, was not recalled unlike Lucas Digne (31), still as convincing with Aston Villa, winner of Bayern Munich ( 1-0), Wednesday evening in C1.

In attack, without Antoine Griezmann, Christopher Nkunku is logically called up again after his good start to the season. “He has not had excessive playing time at Chelsea, but every time he plays, he has lots of energy. In his progress, injuries have been a major obstacle”underlined Didier Deschamps.

The list of 23 players

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Alphonse Areola

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss, Lucas Digne, Wesley Fofana, Théo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano

Midfielders : Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Mattéo Guendouzi, Manu Koné, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery

Attackers :Bradley Barcola, Christopher Nkunku, Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.