Key Takeaways:
- Didier Deschamps defended his selection of Christopher Nkunku for France’s World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland, despite Nkunku having started only one match for Milan since his summer transfer
- Marcus Thuram was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury after a Champions League match on Tuesday and has been replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Four more Serie A-based players – Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Khephren Thuram, and Manu Koné – have been called up for the October fixtures
Selection Choices Explained
Didier Deschamps has justified his decision to include Christopher Nkunku in France’s latest national team squad, referencing the forward’s “interesting potential” even though Nkunku has featured sparingly since joining Milan. The 26-year-old has played only 90 minutes over three matches, with just one starting appearance following his arrival during the summer transfer window.
Despite consistent fitness challenges and minimal involvement at club level, Nkunku was named for France’s upcoming World Cup qualifying encounters with Azerbaijan and Iceland alongside four other Serie A talents: Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Khephren Thuram, and Manu Koné. Inter’s Marcus Thuram was initially among the selections but later withdrew due to a hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League fixture on Tuesday.
🗣️ Didier Deschamps conference press: Nkunku ? "He hasn’t been spared by injuries. He has very interesting potential, and I’m convinced of his talent. His playing time is limited at the moment because of his club change, but I trust him." pic.twitter.com/RqRuWQBOPa
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) October 2, 2025
Thuram Injury and Mateta’s Inclusion
With Thuram now facing a month’s absence according to recent scans, Deschamps explained his rationale for summoning Jean-Philippe Mateta in his stead. “Long-term absences force me and my staff to reflect. Mateta has been called up for his profile and ability to score, and also due to Thuram’s absence,” Deschamps stated at a press conference via TMW.
Thuram has established himself as a regular starter with Inter, contrasting with Nkunku, who, despite his limited opportunities for the Rossoneri, has already scored since his move from Chelsea.
Deschamps Draws Parallels with Giroud
While addressing the inclusion of less frequently used talents, Deschamps referenced former France and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, stating: “Nkunku and Camavinga have had little playing time, but I am convinced of their potential,” and adding: “Sometimes the breath of the national team also benefits clubs, especially when players arrive unhappy. Nkunku hasn’t been spared from injuries. He has very interesting potential. I’m convinced of it. At the moment, he has found little space, but I have faith in him. For example, when Giroud was at Chelsea, it was very complicated, but that didn’t stop him from being important for us.”
