Didier Deschamps will this afternoon announce his France squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Finland.
France will be expected to win both the matches, just weeks after being triumphant in the UEFA Nations League. Deschamps will be without some senior players, which gives opportunities to others.
An injury to goalkeeper Mike Maignan has seen some suggestions Leeds United’s Illan Meslier could replace him in the squad.
With Meslier a Premier League regular, and having been part of France’s U21 set-up, it would make some sense for him to get a taste of life with the senior squad.
However, L’Equipe say he’s set to be snubbed. The Leeds United player is ‘appreciated’ around the France squad, but it’s thought he’s better staying with the U21s.
Instead, West Ham back-up Alphonse Areola is expected to be chosen by Deschamps, as he looks for another reserve. Meslier will just have to continue progressing with Leeds and hope recognition will come in the future.
