Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto (20) is set for his first call-up to the senior France squad, with Dayot Upamecano (24) set to withdraw through injury, according to RMC Sport.
France continue to lose defenders. William Saliba has already pulled out of the squad. He will remain with Arsenal over the winter break after sustaining a toe injury. The former Saint-Étienne centre-back needed injections in order to feature against Manchester City, according to Saber Desfarges. He has been replaced by OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
It was reported by RMC Sport earlier on Monday that Jules Koundé would also withdraw from Didier Deschamps’ side. The Barcelona defender sustained a knee injury during Sunday night’s game against Granada. The publication reported that Chelsea’s Axel Disasi would be called upon as a replacement.
RMC Sport are now reporting that he is set to be joined by club teammate Gusto. The former Olympique Lyonnais right-back has featured for the France U21 side on seven occasions, but until now, he has been overlooked at senior level. However, a hamstring injury is set to rule Upamecano out of France’s upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Scotland, providing the opportunity for Gusto to earn his first senior call-up.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
