Second call-up to the Espoirs for Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old striker was called up as a reinforcement by Gérard Baticle to compensate for the absence of Arnaud Kalimuendo, injured. During his first and only appearance in the group, which dates back to 2021, he was not selected.
Even though he has never yet worn the Bleuets jersey, the young Frenchman – who declined the offer from Cameroon, the country he was eligible to represent, in favour of the French team – is making great strides and is having a thunderous start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Convincing in club with Frankfurt
Loaned to the German club in January before being permanently transferred, the former Parisian delivered a cannon performance in the round of 32 of the German Cup in mid-August. He largely contributed to the success against Braunschweig, scoring twice and providing an assist in the space of nine minutes. Although he did not show up on the first day of the Bundesliga, he made another strong impression the following weekend against TSG Hoffenheim with a nice goal and an assist.
The Bleuets, currently second in their group (with a game in hand), are gathered to prepare for two matches counting towards the Euro Espoirs 2025 qualifiers. The first is scheduled for Friday against Slovenia (6:30 p.m.), the second Tuesday against Bosnia-Herzegovina (6:30 p.m.).
This is also Gérard Baticle’s big debut on the bench, having officially replaced Thierry Henry just two weeks ago. He will have to do without Michael Olise and Manu Koné, who were promoted to the A team for the first two games of the Nations League, but he will have PSG’s new player, Désiré Doué, in his ranks.
- RMC Sport
Related News :