Didier Deschamps will unveil his list of 23 players for the matches against Gibraltar and Greece this Thursday, November 9.
1:35 p.m. – Guendouzi wants to come back
The last call-up for the French team Mattéo Guendouzi goes back one year to the day, November 9, 2022 for the World Cup. He is now expected to make his return, at this gathering or at subsequent ones, if he continues to perform as well under his new Lazio colors. Speaking to Téléfoot, the former OM player confided: “I know that I am one of those players who are regularly monitored by the coach. Afterwards, it will be up to me to work, to be even better and to progress. So, it’s still in my head obviously. But it’s going to be up to me to be the best possible to be called up.”
13:10 – A surprise return?
According to information from Corriere dello Sport, Matteo Guendouzi could soon be recalled by Didier Deschamps, who welcomes his convincing performances since his arrival at Lazio this summer. What to remember from this month of November? Despite the arrival of Warren Zaire-Emery, the competition in midfield is not as fierce as in other positions, especially with the withdrawal of Aurélien Tchouaméni. Boubacar Fofana could pay the price, and leave his place to Matteo Guendouzi. Youssouf Fofana could also not be renewed, but it is less likely: he is very popular within the France group, and is a complete midfielder who can help out in many roles.
12:45 – Who to replace Pavard?
The package of Benjamin Pavard frees up a place in defense, in a hyper-competitive sector. Didier Deschamps announced, during the last meeting, that Pavard was now considered a priority as a central defender. The right-back position is in fact covered by Jonathan Claus, very convincing in the Netherlands (1-2) and against Scotland (4-1), and Jules Koundé. The Blues coach should therefore call a training center to replace Pavard: Axel Disasi should be chosen. Jean-Clair Todibo is another candidate but leaves a long time behind. Unless Deschamps prefers Malo Gusto, to play right side and replace Jules Koundé in central defense, a position in which he plays at club.
12:20 – Two packages for the Blues
A priori, Didier Deschamps should not have to deal with many absentees. Aurélien Tchouaméni is withdrawn, victim of a metatarsal fracture, but his digital replacement is found in the person of Warren Zaire-Emery. Benjamin Pavard will be the second absentee, after suffering a dislocated patella in his left knee last weekend with Inter Milan. He should not play again before the start of 2024. Last minute withdrawals, after the announcement of the list, cannot be ruled out: during the last gathering of the Blues, the defense was decimated by a cascade of injuries (Upamecano, Koundé, Saliba, Disasi).
11:55 – Precocity record broken
If Warren Zaire-Emery is well selected, and if he plays against Gibraltar or Greece, he will be the youngest player to have played for the France team since the Second World War. He would thus beat the recent record of Eduardo Camavinga, selected for the first time at 17 years and 303 days. Zaire-Emery erases precocity records one after the other: he had already become the youngest scorer in the history of PSG in Ligue 1, on February 1 against Montpellier, at 16 years and 330 days. He is also the youngest player in the history of the Champions League to start a knockout match, and the youngest PSG player to play an official match.
11:30 – Zaire-Emery called?
The big announcement of the day should be the first selection of Warren Zaire-Emery. The PSG prodigy, an indisputable starter with his training club at just 17 years old, continues to impress with his performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Questioned by the press on the occasion of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he was present, Didier Deschamps had already complimented the young Parisian: “I like him, yes, I have already said it. A lot of people like him. world. With his young age, he shows a lot of maturity and he has a string of very high level performances. It’s a very good thing. He is French and he is likely to be selected sooner or later.”
11:05 – The French team’s program
For this November international break, the Blues will play two matches counting for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, even if they are already mathematically qualified thanks to six victories in their first six matches. They will face Gibraltar at the Allianz Arena in Nice on Saturday November 18, then Greece at the Opap Arena in Athens on Tuesday November 21.
11:00 – Hello everyone!
Welcome to follow live the announcement of the 23 players selected by Didier Deschamps, for this November international break. The press conference is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Find all the information here while waiting for the official announcement.