Chevalier, Samba and Areola benched as France goalkeepers struggle four months from World Cup | OneFootball

Lucas Chevalier, Brice Samba of Rennes and Alphonse Areola were benched at the weekend, jolting France's goalkeeping pool.

According to L'Équipe, Chevalier and Samba had been Maignan's recent back-ups, with Areola third choice at the last two World Cups. For Samba, his omission looks a one-off tied to a clash with Habib Beye, who has now left, so the 31-year-old should reclaim his place and keep his bid for the next World Cup alive.

Areola's case is less clear. He had started for West Ham since late summer but has not kept a clean sheet in 20 games. After the 2-3 loss at Chelsea, Nuno Espirito Santo turned to Mads Hermansen for Burnley away on Saturday, which finished 2-0, and must decide before Manchester United visit on Tuesday at 21:15.

For Chevalier, 24, the picture is starker. He has lost PSG's number one spot to Matveï Safonov, with no Coupe de France minutes left and little prospect of Ligue 1 rotation before Champions League ties. Last season, Luis Enrique used Safonov between European legs, which is Chevalier's slim hope.

France staff are watching with some concern. Chevalier started the 3-1 win in Azerbaijan on 16 November, yet could miss the World Cup if he does not play again and perform.

These doubts widen the field behind Maignan to Côme goalkeeper Jean Butez, 30, now among Serie A's leading keepers, and U21 international Robin Risser, 21, thriving at RC Lens, second in Ligue 1. The settled French goalkeeping hierarchy could shift, perhaps.

Source: L'Équipe