Clauss on the radar, Kanté at the dock… The latest information from Deschamps’ list

2023-10-04 22:49:16

Jonathan Clauss BENOIT TESSIER / REUTERS

Didier Deschamps should make few changes for the Blues’ matches in October. Marseillais Jonathan Clauss could make his return.

A job to finish. For this reason, Didier Deschamps should not make huge changes to his group to face the Netherlands and Scotland on October 13 and 17. If the second meeting planned in Lille is friendly, the meeting in Amsterdam is of major importance with qualification for Euro 2024 at stake. A victory against the Batavians and the ticket to the European championship would be validated. In the spirit of “DD”, this is not the time for experiments; the November gathering, if qualification is assured, will undoubtedly be more suitable for this. Although, finishing first in the group also allows you to appear better in the draw.

Kanté remains at the dock

In this context, we should not expect a major revolution. According to our information, the profile of Jonathan Clauss was discussed internally between Deschamps and his staff. The OM right-back, who has emerged as one of the best Olympians since the start of the season, should be recalled Thursday afternoon. Absent from the World Cup in Qatar, Clauss (31 years old, 6 caps), had paid, in the coach’s mind, for his propensity to evolve better in a five-man defense. On the Canebière, whether with Marcelino or Gattuso, he is solid on his right side… in a four-man defense, like with the Blues. Between his performances, and the questionable appetite of Koundé and Pavard for this position – which annoys the staff of the France team – Jonathan Clauss has a chance of finding Clairefontaine in a little less than a week. It’s up to him to score points with a view to the Euro (June 14-July 14).

In midfield, the candidacy of N’Golo Kanté should not be accepted. The staff is still observing him but nothing suggested a return of the 2018 world champion, now in Saudi Arabia. The last selection of “NG” dates back to June 2022 against Denmark.

For the rest, Didier Deschamps will count on his hard core, embodied by Mbappé, Griezmann, Giroud, Tchouaméni, Rabiot or even the Hernandez brothers, Upamecano, Konaté and Maignan. Response this Thursday at 2 p.m. at the FFF headquarters.