French team: Didier Deschamps’ list with Michael Olise and Manu Koné, Pavard and Rabiot absent

The French team is back on deck! Nearly two months after being eliminated at the gates of the final by Spain at Euro 2024, Didier Deschamps and his players will put their overalls back on to compete in the Nations League. Reinforced in his position by the French Football Federation (FFF) after a European Championship that was far from convincing in terms of the game deployed and the tactical choices made, the coach of the Blues, under contract until 2026, was to reveal the list of players selected for this international window, this Thursday, August 29.

As the time comes to start a new cycle, the 55-year-old coach has decided to regenerate his squad in preparation for the matches against Italy (at the Parc des Princes) and Belgium (at the Groupama Stadium) on September 6 and 9. Having to deal with Olivier Giroud’s international retirement and Eduardo Camavinga’s absence due to injury, the boss of Les Bleus has reserved a few surprises by bringing new blood to his squad, starting with Michael Olise’s first call-up to the senior squad.

Michael Olise makes his appearance, Adrien Rabiot on the sidelines!

After a solid season with Crystal Palace (10 goals and 6 assists), the 22-year-old winger reached a new milestone in his young career by joining Bayern Munich for €60 million during the summer transfer window. A true offensive leader of the French Olympic team, the French Espoir international has contributed more than ever to his team’s excellent performance, winning silver medals after losing in the final against Spain. A just reward for the Bavarian who is preparing to dive into the deep end like his compatriot Manu Koné.

At ease during the Olympics, the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder managed to attract the favor of Didier Deschamps and will numerically replace Adrien Rabiot. Still without a club since the end of his adventure with Juventus Turin, the former Parisian will remain stranded. In central defense, Wesley Fofana is making his big comeback, having regained a starting place at Chelsea, to the detriment of Benjamin Pavard. Same story for Kingsley Coman, who is leaving for Bayern Munich and who will not participate in this gathering.

The complete list of the Blues:

Guardians: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (RC Lens), Alphonse Areola (West Ham)

Defenders: Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Jonathan Clauss (Nice )

Environments: Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad)

Attackers: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid)