Hugo Ekitike Joins France National Team
Hugo Ekitike has secured a spot in France’s national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite facing an injury setback during a recent match. The young forward was withdrawn in the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray, raising doubts about his fitness ahead of the two crucial games against Azerbaijan and Iceland scheduled for October.
Ekitike, who received his first call-up in August as a replacement for the injured Rayan Cherki, will continue to travel with the squad as they aim for qualification. Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on Ekitike’s condition, stating:
“He said he couldn’t continue, so we had to take him off. Let’s see how he is for the weekend.”
New Additions and Key Players
In a noteworthy addition to the squad, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta will also be making his first appearance among senior internationals, joining an array of talented forwards at Didier Deschamps’ disposal including the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Kingsley Coman, who recently moved to Al Nassr. Notably, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé is among those sidelined due to injury, while Premier League figures William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté have been included.
Complete Roster for the French National Team
- Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
- Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Koné, Michael Olise, Adrien Rabiot, Khephren Thuram
- Attackers: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Kingsley Coman, Hugo Ekitike, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Christopher Nkunku
