The international break is upon us and France are set to play two games in the UEFA Euro qualifiers. And as per the latest reports, Paul Pogba will be replaced Matteo Guendouzi in the national team squad.
Paul Pogba featured in Man United’s 1-1 draw vs Southampton on Saturday but during the game, the midfielder picked up an ankle injury and was seen hobbling out of the stadium after the match.
The club confirmed the injury after the game saying: “Pogba had played a full match for United at the weekend, in the 1-1 draw against Southampton in the Premier League, and it currently remains unclear how serious his injury might be,
“As ever, a full assessment will be made at the Aon Training Complex in due course.”
Paul Pogba limping out of St Mary’s after twisting his ankle in #MUFC’s draw with #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/HxIv7GQza5
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 31, 2019
And now the French Football Association have affirmed that Paul Pogba has pulled out of the national squad and Arsenal youngster Matteo Guendouzi has been brought in to fill up the void.
“Paul has an ankle problem,” Deschamps had said.
“He is currently undergoing exams in Manchester and I am waiting for the results. If he were already unavailable, then I would say.”
Matteo Guendouzi’s call-up comes just days after the North London Derby where the youngster was one of the stars for Arsenal.
And in general, the midfielder has been in good form for the Gunners this season.
So far this season, Matteo Guendouzi has started every Premier League game for Arsenal playing a total of 356 minutes and it looks like his regular features for the Gunners has caught the eyes of Didier Deschamps.
The 20-year-old has so far featured for every French side from the U18s to the U21s and this is his first call-up to the senior side. But having said that, it remains to be seen whether Deschamps gives him a start in any one of the games.
France first take on Albania on Saturday and then they take on Andorra at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
