With four matches in eleven days (Denmark, Croatia, Austria and again Croatia) and a title to defend in the League of Nations, the program of the Blues in June promises to be relatively dense.
Didier Deschamps knows this better than anyone and is counting on this streak, which most of his players will start on May 28 at Clairefontaine, to keep the flame alive for the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18).
This Thursday at 2 p.m. at the headquarters of the FFF, the coach should, according to our information, announce an enlarged group of 24 or 25 elements, against 23 usually, to guard against any misshapen or package for elements with worn bodies after a season. XXL.
For the rest, what about the composition of his group six months before the World Cup?
To discover
The complete calendar of the Blues
Didier Deschamps alongside Guy Stephan and Franck Raviot PASCAL ROSSIGNOL / PANORAMIC
The question which burns all the lips will be quickly evoked.
Will Olivier Giroud be in the France group?
The second best scorer in the history of the selection (48 goals), summoned during the last rally due to the injury of Karim Benzema and author of two goals in March during the success against Côte d'Ivoire (2-1 ) and South Africa (5-0), should not be in the game.
Read alsoHis career in blue, his ambitions, depression … The confidences of Paul Pogba in
Figaro
No Giroud to let the Griezmann-Mbappé-Benzema trio evolve in complete serenity?
In his mind, Didier Deschamps would not like to find himself in the same situation as at the Euro with Giroud on the bench behind the Benzema-Mbappé-Griezmann trio and delicate situations to manage.
Even if the AC Milan striker (35 years old, 12 goals in all competitions this season) was present during the last international sequence, the return of Benzema (who plays the Champions League final on Saturday 28 against Liverpool at the Stade de France) would close the debate.
A choice which will necessarily be commented on and would clearly announce to Giroud that without the withdrawal of one of the incumbents in attack, his future in Blue would be written more than ever in dotted lines…
Read alsoOlivier Giroud, the never-ending story with the Blues
Pogba would like to be there, the staff of the Blues doubt his physique
An absence that would benefit Christopher Nkunku, recently voted best player in the Bundesliga, much appreciated by the staff and Wissam Ben Yedder, author of a magnificent season with ASM as evidenced by his 24 goals scored in Ligue 1. For the rest of the offensive sector, uncertainty remains on a possible return of Ousmane Dembélé, back to a good level with FC Barcelona and absent in selection since the Euro.
Read alsoAurélien Tchouaméni, symbol of a (very) ambitious new blue wave
Konaté is on Deschamps' radars
In the other compartments of the game, Paul Pogba's calf injury has prompted the staff of the Blues to pessimism in recent hours.
The player, part of the Blues, would like to come to Clairefontaine, but his physical condition leaves little room for doubt.
In the event of a package, Eduardo Camavinga's beautiful appearances with Real Madrid could offer him a ticket to the castle.
Forfeited due to Covid-19 last March, Benjamin Pavard, now considered by Didier Deschamps as an axial defender if the 3-4-3 is maintained, will be there.
A doubt remains between William Saliba, who discovered the Blues during the last rally and is under threat from Ibrahima Konaté, Champions League finalist with Liverpool.
A tracked item.
Can the perspective of an enlarged group induce the arrival of new head(s)?
The names of Nantes Randal Kolo Muani and Alban Lafont or Rennais Martin Terrier and Benjamin Bourigeaud have come back insistently in recent days.
This may still be insufficient to integrate the France group.
Answer this Thursday at 2 p.m.
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