It was a particularly awaited list, the last before that of the next World Cup which starts in two months, in Qatar. Among the 23 players selected by Didier Deschamps is a former Saint-Etienne, William Saliba. Trained at ASSE, the current Arsenal defender is now regularly called by the coach since last March (first minutes in Blue against Côte d’Ivoire).
Many observers thought that a second player trained at ASSE would be present in this list. Finally, Wesley Fofana was not selected. Despite numerous withdrawals in defense (Kimpembé, L.Hernandez), Didier Deschamps gives his confidence to Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé and also to Benoit Badiashile (first call for the Monegasque). Wesley Fofana, on the other hand, is called up with the Espoirs (two friendly matches in Germany and against Belgium).