A League of Nations semi-final against Belgium on October 7, and three days later a final or small final against Spain or Italy. Here is the program of the Blues for this international window of October and let’s admit that it is attractive with its false airs of Euro or World Cup. Didier Deschamps, who unveils his list this Thursday, should therefore rely on an experienced group with in particular the returns of Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, absent from the September gathering. It will therefore be played between Koundé and Dubois on the right, and that leaves the door open to Théo Hernandez (Lucas’s brother) on the left. Upamecano, interesting with Bayern Munich, is likely to enter the rotation of center-backs, like Lucas Hernandez, increasingly used in this position at Bayern.
In goals, Steve Mandanda does not play much with OM, where Sampaoli prefers Pau Lopez, but the 2018 world champion, now number 3 in the France team, will be in the 23. In the middle of the field, it still gets stuck with the combined absences of Tolisso, still injured in the calf, and Kanté, declared positive for Covid on Tuesday. With the ten-day isolation imposed by the British health authorities, it is impossible to see the Blues player participate in both meetings. Tchouaméni, performing in the three matches in September, will be recalled, and Veretout, a tone below, should also be offered a new chance, like Guendouzi.
Camavinga did not convince
On the other hand, it will be necessary to wait before considering a return of Camavinga. Even if he shows great promises for his debut with Real Madrid, the former Rennais comes out of a disappointing season and did not even start with the Espoirs in the quarter-finals of Euro U21, last May. In attack, Diaby will participate in a second rally. The absence of Coman, who had a heart operation two weeks ago, could have opened the door to Nkunku, very effective with RB Leipzig (7 goals), but this seems premature in view of the two very high level matches that await the Blues.
Olivier Giroud, rid of his lumbago, but often replaced or replacing the last three games with AC Milan, will not be there. The Rossoneri center-forward (2 goals this season) will certainly have to do more to convince the Blues staff to retain him again. For Payet, it is not the level that is in question. The Reunionese (34 years old, 5 goals this season) is performing with OM, but we know that Deschamps does not like to summon former executives to put them on the bench.
