French women’s team: a year and a half later, Marie-Antoinette Katoto makes her return

2023-11-24 15:15:37

She is back. Eighteen months after a serious knee injury (cruciate ligament and meniscus) suffered at Euro 2022, Marie-Antoinette Katoto was recalled to the France team by coach Hervé Renard. This Friday, he includes her in a list of 23 players called up for the last two matches of 2023, against Austria in Rennes and Leiria in Portugal, the final posters for the first Women’s Nations League. Les Bleues will qualify for the “Final Four” in the event of a victory against Austria, Friday December 1st.

“It took him a little time to get into rhythm, with progressive playing times,” explains Hervé Renard about Marie-Antoinette Katoto. She has still not played a full match. You have to be patient with Marie. She is still capable of progress, we all know that. We will support her in the best possible way so that she can bring us what she knows how to do. » With PSG, she resumed competition in mid-September. Thursday evening in the Champions League against Bayern (0-1), she only played one half.

Three notable absentees in this new Hervé Renard list, all injured: goalkeeper Constance Picaud (wrist), midfielders Sandie Toletti (humerus) and Sandy Baltimore (toe). “They should have been in this list,” specifies the coach.

Among the returns, that of Kenza Dali in the middle and Eve Perisset in defense. “Playing time will be important,” summarizes Hervé Renard about the Chelsea right-back. Everyone must think that no place has been acquired. » Competition will be strong in the French team. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, there will only be 18 players in the group.

Goalkeepers: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Solène Durand, Marie Petiteau

Defenders: Estelle Cascarino, Elisa de Almeida, Sakina Karchaoui, Maëlle Lakrar, Griedge Mbock, Eve Perisset, Wendie Renard

Midfielders: Selma Bacha, Kenza Dali, Grace Geyoro, Amandine Henry, Leah Garrec and Amel Majri

Forwards: Viviane Asseyi, Vicki Becho, Julie Dufour, Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Clara Matéo, Eugénie Le Sommer