France coach Didier Deschamps has had some explaining to do after naming his latest squad.
The 2018 World Cup winner will lead his side against Ukraine and Iceland in qualifying for the 2026 tournament but without two of the nation’s most in-form strikers.
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike has three in three for his new side, coming off a fine season for Eintracht Frankfurt, but he’s yet to receive a senior France cap.
Deschamps explained: “Because of what he did last season in Frankfurt, Hugo finds himself at Liverpool.
“We were already following him in Germany. It’s very good that he’s effective. However, there is competition.
“I’m not going to accumulate players, but he has the potential for the French team.”
The story was similar for Giroud who has been in excellent form since returning to Ligue 1 with Lille.
The 38-year-old retired last March, but didn’t rule out a return if he was needed.
Deschamps commented: “He was clear. He just added three words that interest people with ‘never say never’.
“He said his goodbyes and he knows that there is a new generation.”
On the other side of things was the inclusion of Adrien Rabiot which caused some surprise, given that he has been dropped and transfer listed by Marseille.
Accused of ‘unseen violence’ during a dressing room confrontation, Deschamps didn’t want to get involved in rights and wrongs.
“He did his preparation. He played the first matches and what happened happened,” he said.
“I don’t know what will happen between now and Monday when he joins us. These are not easy things to manage when they become media-related. I’m not going to say who’s right and who’s wrong.
“We spoke, and I care about Adrien because of what he has done with us. It’s very good that he can be there for both matches. It was also important to know what state of mind he is in.”
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