France face reshuffle as Hugo Ekitike’s injury opens door to replacements | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike sustained a ruptured Achilles on Tuesday against Paris-SG, ending his World Cup chances and forcing France into a rethink up front. The Liverpool forward had covered both centre and left.

According to L'Équipe, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola are set on the left unless injured, leaving Didier Deschamps without a versatile foil for Kylian Mbappé. Ekitike impressed on the United States tour, scoring his second France goal against Brazil in late March.

Marcus Thuram, a starter in March, is a direct fit. He can play centrally or off the left, with a different toolkit. Less refined technically than Ekitike, his industry and qualities remain trusted by Deschamps despite modest finishing for France.

Randal Kolo Muani has travelled this road before, replacing Christopher Nkunku for Qatar. Deschamps values his international returns and his flexibility, even if club form has been considered.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is an out-and-out centre forward, without Ekitike’s range. A bright presence in the October and November camps, when he scored twice, he missed March with a knee injury that had already derailed a winter move to AC Milan.

Christopher Nkunku, denied Qatar by injury, is no longer a first pick. Even so, his ability to slot into any attacking role still appeals to the coach.

Source: L'Équipe