"Kante, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, has not appeared for France since November 2024, in a 0-0 draw with Israel in the Nations League. It is not the 34-year-old's first long lay-off, having been absent from the squad for two years prior to returning for Euro 2024, when he helped the team to the semi-finals. And he is joined in the squad by Kolo Muani, who has missed the last two camps,"
"Deschamps' hand has been forced somewhat due to high-profile injuries, with Paris Saint-Germain duo Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue both ruled out for the second consecutive window. "I'm especially sad for Ousmane because last season he was spared, and now he's having a run of injuries," Deschamps told a press conference. "Not having him with us is not a good thing." Aurelien Tchouameni is also unavailable for France after Real Madrid announced on Thursday that he had suffered a left hamstring issue."
Didier Deschamps recalled N'Golo Kante and Randal Kolo Muani to France's squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. France sit top of Group D with two matches left and can secure qualification with positive results. Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad, last featured for France in November 2024 and previously endured a two-year absence before returning for Euro 2024. High-profile injuries have influenced selection, with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue ruled out and Aurelien Tchouameni sidelined by a left hamstring issue. Warren Zaire-Emery and a 24-player group complete the squad list.
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