Nkunku replaces Griezmann, Mbappé left to rest…Deschamps unveils his list for the League of Nations

She was (very) awaited. Didier Deschamps revealed, this Thursday afternoon, his list of twenty-three players to face Israel and Belgium, on October 10 and 14 respectively, as part of the group stage of the Nations League. One of the main issues was knowing who would digitally replace Antoine Griezmann, who unexpectedly announced his international retirement at the start of the week.

And (almost) unsurprisingly – like Le Figaro announced it – it was Chelsea FC striker Christopher Nkunku who was recalled by the Blues coach. The ex-Parisian has the advantage, like “Grizou” of being versatile. He can play on one side, in the center, but also in support of a center forward. Although he has not (yet?) won his starting place in England, he has performed well with six goals scored in nine matches in all competitions.

Kylian Mbappé left to rest

Another question that all the followers of the France team were asking themselves: will Kylian Mbappé be selected when he is just recovering from a muscular injury to his left thigh? And as expected, Didier Deschamps preferred to leave the Real Madrid striker to rest. His absence should give playing time to other players; a good thing for “DD” who proclaimed his desire to see a lot of people with a view, always, to the 2026 World Cup. We should thus see the very promising FC Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise again.

Also readAntoine Griezmann, the reasons for a surprise retirement from the Blues

N’Golo Kanté absent, Adrien Rabiot too short

The other (small) surprise on this list is the absence of N’Golo Kanté. The tireless midfielder was recently injured and is therefore unavailable. As a reminder, he returned to the French team during the Euro in Germany.

Having just arrived at Olympique de Marseille, after spending the summer looking for a club, Adrien Rabiot was not – as in September – summoned. Even though he made his first appearance with the Phocéens last weekend against RC Strasbourg Alsace (1-0), the former Juventus FC player was judged to still be short of form. Manu Koné, who showed great things during the last rally, particularly in impact, intensity and verticality, was recalled; just like Mattéo Guendouzi.

Also readFrench team: Antoine Griezmann’s XXL figures for the Blues

No surprises in defense

In defense too, there was no real surprise. The “pairs” William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were called up, as was Wesley Fofana who had to give up his place to Loïc Badé in September, due to injury. On the sides, we find Jules Koundé, Jonathan Clauss as well as Lucas Digne and Théo Hernandez.

The list of Blues:

Guardians : A. Areola, M. Maignan, B. Samba

Defenders : J. Clauss, L. Digne, W. Fofana, T. Hernandez, I. Konaté, J. Koundé, W. Saliba, D. Upamecano

Backgrounds : E. Camavinga, Y. Fofana, M. Guendouzi, M. Koné, A. Tchouaméni, W. Zaïre-Emery

Attackers : B. Barcola, O. Dembélé, R. Colombian, C. Nkunku, M. Olise, M. Thuram

SEE ALSO – Goals, trophies, individual awards…The incredible career of Antoine Griezmann in the French team