France take just 10 players from the 2018 winning squad to Qatar
France national team coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man provisional squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There has been injury concerns for the defending champions. They have only selected 10 players from the Russia 2018 winning squad.
One of the notable inclusions is that of veteran striker Olivier Giroud.
Giroud was first recalled in March after a nine-month absence following the team’s early Euro 2021 exit.
The 36-year-old has been in good form for Italian giants AC Milan and France. He is two goals shy of Thierry Henry’s all-time national scoring record of 51 goals.
“He knows where he stands. He knows what my position is. It’s better for the French team that he is with us,” said coach Deschamps.
The squad will have to be trimmed to 23 by Monday.
INJURY CONCERNS
Several players who have been struggling with injuries but are included are Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
France will be in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.
They start their campaign against Australia on 22 November at the Al Janoub Stadium.
FRANCE SQUAD FOR 2022 WORLD CUP
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Hernardez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamencano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kinglsey Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig).
N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba are the two biggest names missing from the France squad this year due to injuries.