• Head coach Didier Deschamps will have to trim his squad to 23 by Monday
Olivier Giroud was named in France’s provisional squad for the Qatar World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man group yesterday amid injury concerns for the defending champions.
The experienced striker, recalled in March after a nine-month hiatus following the team’s early Euro 2021 exit, has been in good form for AC Milan and France and is two goals shy of Thierry Henry’s all-time national scoring record of 51 goals. “He knows where he stands. He knows what my position is. It’s better for the French team that he is with us,” said Deschamps, who will have to trim his squad to 23 by Monday.
Several players have been struggling with injuries, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane. With Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante injured and ruled out of the tournament ahead of the squad announcement, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders named.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe was named along with Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Christopher Nkunku. France will be in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. They start their campaign against Australia on Novemeber 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
Bale not 100 percent as Wales name squad
Wales manager Rob Page hinted Gareth Bale may not be able to start three World Cup games in nine days yesterday as he named the 26-man squad he will take to Qatar. Bale has been inspirational in leading his country to a first World Cup since 1958.
The 33-year-old came off the bench to score a dramatic late equaliser as LAFC went onto win the MLS Cup on penalties on Saturday. But the five-time Champions League winner’s time on the field since moving to the USA in June has been limited by injuries. “He is not 100 per cent at the moment,” said Page.
Wales begin their tournament against the USA on November 21 before facing Iran and England in Group B. When asked if Bale would be fit to start three games in quick succession, Page responded: “That’s the million dollar question. We don’t know. We’ll assess each game as it comes. We’ll have a plan moving forward for the second one. If he’s part of that great, if he’s not we’ll manage the minutes.”
Page has also given Joe Allen the chance to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament. The Swansea midfielder played a vital role in Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and last 16 of Euro 2020, but has not played since injuring a hamstring in September.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Danny Ward (Leicester City/ENG), Adam Davies (Sheffield United/ENG)
Defenders: Ethan Ampadu (Spezia/ITA), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth/ENG), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town/ENG) Ben Davies (Tottenham/ENG), Chris Gunter (Wimbledon/ENG), Connor Roberts (Burnley/ENG), Joe Rodon (Rennes/FRA), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Ben Cabango (Swansea City)
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Aaron Ramsey (Nice/FRA), Harry Wilson (Fulham/ENG), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town/ENG), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth/ENG), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United/SCO), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town/ENG), Matt Smith (MK Dons/ENG)
Forwards: Gareth Bale (LAFC/USA), Daniel James (Fulham/ENG), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth/ENG), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Mark Harris (Cardiff City)
