Lucas Chevalier offered France call-up but demoted to number three | OneFootball

Lucas Chevalier has been recalled by France for the March camp and will be the number three goalkeeper, a move Didier Deschamps cast as a helping hand.

According to L'Équipe, the Paris Saint-Germain keeper has not played since late January yet was named on Thursday in a 26-man squad that flies to Boston next Tuesday.

A month ago the staff appeared minded to overlook the former Lille player after he became PSG's number two, though recent days brought a rethink towards offering support. Goalkeeping coach Franck Raviot has assessed Robin Risser and Jean Butez in the past three weeks, and the Lens goalkeeper, fragile in games and sessions of late, has likely missed his chance.

Deschamps did not frame the choice around competition, nor did he suggest Alphonse Areola, now number two at West Ham since late January, could have filled the third spot. He also said Chevalier had not lost his value in four months.

The call-up also entails a downgrade to number three behind Brice Samba, and is rooted in small-group cohesion. Raviot values the rapport between Mike Maignan, Samba and Chevalier, who stay in touch outside international windows.

Chevalier is not expected to play more than one or two matches for PSG before May. Asked if that seals his World Cup place, Deschamps said he will reflect after the camp. Should Areola reclaim the West Ham shirt, the question might return.

Source: L'Équipe