Didier Deschamps set to name expanded France squad for United States tour, Lucas Chevalier not yet ruled out | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Didier Deschamps is expected to name a 25 or 26 man France squad on Thursday for next week’s United States tour, with friendlies against Brazil on 26 March and Colombia on 29 March. Lucas Chevalier, short of game time, had not been ruled out on Wednesday night.

The announcement, due at 14:00 at the FFF auditorium, will be the final list before the World Cup, scheduled from 11 June to 19 July. A March call has not always guaranteed a place in May.

Recent history shows caution. In each of the last three major tournaments, at least three players from the final pre tournament camp missed out, and in 2022 there were seven before Randal Kolo Muani was drafted.

Even if Chevalier travels, it would not necessarily secure him for June. He would need to regain minutes at club level and impress.

Pierre Kalulu is in line to cover Jules Koundé and support Malo Gusto, though his path may still be long. Warren Zaïre-Emery can also deputise at right back.

Zaïre-Emery made November’s squad, unlike Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni, then injured, who are set to return. Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani could benefit from Bradley Barcola’s injury.

Given the tight schedule, long travel and jet lag, the expanded group could open the door for Hugo Ekitike. Christopher Nkunku, Kingsley Coman and Maghnes Akliouche may contest the final attacking berth, while Jean-Philippe Mateta could miss out after limited minutes with Crystal Palace since a failed AC Milan move.

Source: L'Équipe