N'Golo Kanté has been recalled to the French national team by Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. The Al-Ittihad midfielder's return marks his first appearance for Les Bleus since November of last year, when he played his 64th match in a goalless draw against Israel.
France, currently leading Group D, can secure their spot in the next World Cup with a victory over Ukraine on November 13 at the Parc des Princes. Following the match in Paris, they will travel to Baku to face Azerbaijan on November 16.
Deschamps highlighted Kanté's importance, stating, "When I call him, it's not to make him feel he is part of the group, it's to give him an important role". The coach has been closely monitoring Kanté's performance in Saudi Arabia and has been impressed by his fitness and influence in recent matches. Deschamps has hailed the veteran midfielder as "still at his best".
Several players are returning to the squad after injury absences. Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki have been included in the team. Randal Kolo Muani is another notable inclusion.
Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are sidelined due to injuries. Other notable absentees include Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot. Marcus Thuram, Youssouf Fofana, Benjamin Pavard, Florian Thauvin, Boubacar Kamara, and Corentin Tolisso have also not been selected for these crucial fixtures.
France's 24-man squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
- Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Théo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Williams Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N'Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
- Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ryan Cherki (Manchester City), Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan)
With key players returning and a wealth of talent at his disposal, Didier Deschamps is aiming to secure France's qualification for the World Cup with victories in the upcoming matches.
