France coach Didier Deschamps has announced his 25-man squad for the 2022 World Cup. Only 10 players from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team have been included in this lineup, with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante both missing out through injury.
Despite concerns of muscular fatigue, Karim Benzema has been confirmed as a member of the World Cup squad. “He’s played an enormous amount, maybe too much at one point,” Deschamps explained, going on to say, “Karim knows that the World Cup is very important for him. He hasn’t refused to play for Real Madrid, he just wasn’t in top form. He’ll do everything to be ready for the 22nd [France’s first match].”
Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane has also been selected despite picking up a knee injury last month. According to reports, the World Cup winner is undergoing rehabilitation and his recovery is progressing smoothly.
23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe will headline France’s attack, while AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud has also been included. With 51 international goals to his name, Giroud is just two goals shy of Thierry Henry’s all-time national record.
Also traveling to Qatar will be 20-year-old Real Madrid rising star Eduardo Camavinga and Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
