Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe are among the focal points in the selection of France squad by France coach Didier Deschamps for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Although Real Madrid striker Benzema may need to miss Real Madrid's last La Liga game before the World Cup due to muscle fatigue, the physical fitness of veteran Benzema does not concern France. France coach Deschamps said: "He played a lot of games and probably played too often at one point. Benzema knows the World Cup is very important for him. He didn't refuse to play for Real Madrid, but he was a little tired in form. He will do everything to prepare for the French team".
Reigning World Cup champions France will bring with 10 old faces from the squad that won the 2018 title in Russia, while former France midfielders Paul Pogba and Ngoro Kante are sidelined by injury. Despite a knee injury in last month's match, Manchester United defender Rafael Varane was still named France's top name. Varane's current recovery is well underway and he could be ready ahead of France's opening match against Australia.
Deschamps said: "We have a huge challenge ahead of us and there is nothing like the World Cup. But I have a lot of confidence in my players." 'You can't change the physical condition of some of the players, we have games on the 22nd, so at least we have a week to prepare.'
France striker Olivier Giroud is two goals short of his all-time national team goal record of 51 goals set by his French predecessor Thierry Henry, who is also in the French squad. After nine months out of the national squad after Euro 2021 and being recalled by Deschamps in March this year, Giroud has been in good form at AC Milan. "I think it's better for the French team that he's with us." Deschamps said of Olivier Giroud that he is still second choice after Benzema and he knows where he stands".
Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnell Kimpembe, who has just returned to training, is among them, as is high-profile teenager Eduardo Camavinga.
France squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Arreola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda.
Defenders: Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernandez, Presnell Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Comte, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayotte Upamecano, Rafael Varane.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Yusof Fofana, Matteo Genduzzi, Adrian Rabiot, Aurelian Joan Armeni, Jordan Villareto.
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Koeman, Osman Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Grinzmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku.