Didier Deschamps did not want to shake up his squad two months after the disappointing Euro 2024 of the French team. It failed. The international retirement of Olivier Giroud, the withdrawal of Kingsley Coman, the free agent status of Adrien Rabiot, the sidelining of Benjamin Pavard and the injury of Eduardo Camavinga led to the return of Wesley Fofana and the first call-ups of Manu Koné and Michael Olise, the two silver medalists of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Thierry Henry as coach.
“La Dèche” is now dealing with last-minute injuries, as the training camp began on Monday at Clairefontaine. After Wesley Fofana (held back by Chelsea) and Ferlandy Mendy (muscle fatigue), it is Aurélien Tchouaméni’s turn to withdraw. The Real Madrid defensive midfielder has a left foot injury and will be returning to the Spanish capital to rest, as announced by Infosport+ on Monday afternoon.
Tchouaméni replaced by Guendouzi
Today’s absence is a delight for Mattéo Guendouzi. The former Marseille player, now a Lazio player, was called up by the French coach last March for the matches against Germany and Chile. Deschamps’ choice was limited, since Jordan Veretout did not play with OM during the pre-season and the first three Ligue 1 matches. N’Golo Kanté, Youssouf Fofana, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Manu Koné can all play in front of the defence and the coach therefore missed an opportunity to call on a more offensive prodigy.
Les Bleus begin the Nations League (in Group 2 of League A) against Italy on Friday at the Parc des Princes, before challenging Belgium next Monday at the Parc OL. Israel is the other opponent of the French team and will offer the first away game of the season, during the October window, for a match relocated to Budapest.
