Varane, Saliba and Konate all make France’s World Cup squad
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Raphael Varane is named in France’s World Cup squad despite concerns over the Man United defender’s condition, with William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate also chosen by Didier Deschamps for the defending champions
- Raphael Varane included in France’s World Cup squad
- He has been out with an injury for the past few weeks, but has still been chosen
- Varane is joined by Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba. from Arsenal
Olivier Giroud was named in France’s preliminary squad for the World Cup in Qatar, when coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man squad on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions.
The veteran striker, who was recalled in March after a nine-month hiatus following the team’s departure at the start of Euro 2021, is in good form for AC Milan and France, two goals behind Thierry Henry’s national record of 51 goals. .
“He knows where he stands. He knows my position. It is better for the French team that he is with us,” said Deschamps, who must reduce his selection to 23 on Monday.
Olivier Giroud made France’s World Cup squad after being left out after Euro 2021
Raphael Varane has also been named in France’s World Cup squad by Didier Deschamps
Several players are struggling with injuries, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre-back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
With Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante injured and banned from the tournament ahead of the roster announcement, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders named.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe was named along with Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Christopher Nkunku.
France is in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.
They start their campaign against Australia on November 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium.
