Didier Deschamps admits Alexandre Lacazette was unfortunate to miss out on being selected in his France squad ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Iceland.
The Arsenal striker has been in sensational form for his club having scored 14 goals in all competitions and formed a devastating partnership with club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lacazette has won 13 caps for his country but hasn’t made an appearance for Les Bleus since scoring twice in a friendly against Germany back in November 2017.
The 27-year-old, along with Sevilla’s in-form forward Wissam Ben Yedder, have been left out with Olivier Giroud retaining his place, despite having failed to start a Premier League game since December
‘I don’t think they will be happy today,’ said Deschamps.
‘They are doing a lot of very good things, but I have to make choices.
‘They are both closer in style to each other than Giroud. Giroud is less used in the Premier League, but what he does for us is [important].
‘We are thinking. It is not only a question of age with them [Giroud and Blaise Matuidi], for them it is not a wildcard, they have experiences that enable them to be here. Now it is up to them to maintain themselves physically.’
Anthony Martial, meanwhile, does return to the squad having regained fitness following a month out with a muscle injury.
‘He has always been part of this French group,’ said Deschamps when asked about the Manchester United’s winger’s inclusion.
‘Sometimes he has been taken, sometimes he isn’t. He had some slight fitness concerns, but when he is in full control of his ability in beating players, he has all the attacking qualities required.’