Three France U21s with a lot at stake in the October international break 👀 | OneFootball

Points need to be scored before the World Cup.

This Friday night, the French national team returns to the Parc des Princes for their World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

Undermined by the absence of many key players (Ousmane Dembélé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Désiré Doué...), Didier Deschamps has had to call up players less accustomed to the France squad.

Some could find themselves in the spotlight and have a lot at stake with tonight’s match and the one against Iceland.

A closer look at three players who have a card to play during this international break.

Eduardo Camavinga

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He’s been around for so long that you forget he’s only 22. Hampered by injuries and often inconsistent in the blue shirt, the Real Madrid midfielder now needs to show he can be a reliable and consistent option for Didier Deschamps.

With Aurélien Tchouaméni out for the next two France matches, the former Rennes player could see more minutes and finally kick-start his season.

Kingsley Coman

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Recalled by Didier Deschamps due to the shortage of forwards for this camp, Kingsley Coman will be eager to show he can be a credible option despite his move to Saudi Arabia.

In a group where at least three spots in the front line seem locked down by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, the former Bayern man still has a role to play as an impact sub, despite competition from Désiré Doué and the emerging threats of Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche.

Hugo Ekitike

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

Despite Kylian Mbappé being moved into the center, the Reds’ new striker has a chance to book a seat on France’s plane for the 2026 World Cup.

With Marcus Thuram injured and struggling to score for Les Bleus, Randal Kolo Muani having missed the last two call-ups, and Jean-Philippe Mateta arriving under the radar, Hugo Ekitike would be well advised to find the net in the next two matches to catch the manager’s eye.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

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