Defending champions France have become the latest side to announce their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Didier Deschamps has kept faith with the established names but has been forced to call up some new faces who will be making their debuts at the upcoming tournament.
Injuries have also forced his hands with regular starters such as N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba already ruled out and defenders Rafael Varane of Manchester United Paris St Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe also not fully healthy.
In Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga, France have ample midfield options in their squad but their larger worry is the fitness condition of current Ballon’ D’Or holder Karim Benzema who will lead their attack in the FIFA World Cup.
Lucas Digne and Ferland Mendy were also left out with Deschamps expected to field a back four instead of the usual 3-4-3 formation meaning an attack-minded left back is not a necessity.
France squad for FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku.
France is in Group D with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia as its group mates. France will open its campaign against Australia on 23rd November at 00:00 (PKT).
Brazil, Japan and Denmark are among other teams to have announced their squads as well.
