With Didier Deschamps having announced his 25-man France squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday night, here are nine high-profile players who were not named in the side heading to Qatar.
Australia Boss Speaks After Leaving Son-In-Law Out Of World Cup
On Wednesday, the 2018 World Cup-winning Deschamps officially listed the 25 players who would be making the trip to the Middle East for the sport’s biggest showpiece.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembele will be apart of the squad aiming to retain Les Bleus’ status as world champions, though the team looks far different from the one that went all the way in Russia four years ago.
Injuries to star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante mean the pair will not be in the Middle East representing their country, while Nabil Fekir and Wissam Ben Yedder also missed out on a place in Deschamps’ plans.
Below are nine players who were not named in France's World Cup side:
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, meanwhile, is another absentee due to fitness issues. Left-backs Ferland Mendy and Lucas Digne were overlooked from the final selection, with brothers Lucas Hernandez and Theo Hernandez chosen ahead of them.
Arguably one of the most surprise omissions from the squad was Marseille’s versatile right-back Jonathan Clauss, who many believed would be taken to Qatar following his impressive form in Ligue 1 in recent seasons.
Get to a Dunns store now for exclusive Vivo deals!
Speaking to the press following his announcement, Deschamps acknowledged Clauss’ disappointment, but suggested his decision was influenced by the system he feels could be best for France’s chances of triumph in December.
Les Bleus will begin their tournament with a match in Group D against Australia on 22 November.
WATCH VIDEO:
