Atletico Madrid’s star forward Antoine Griezmann will be notably absent from the French squad for the first time since November 2016.
This announcement comes as France gears up for their final friendlies before the highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament, scheduled to take place from June 14th to July 14th.
Griezmann’s absence marks a significant departure from the norm, as the seasoned striker has been a consistent presence on the pitch for France since a friendly against England in June 2017.
Despite his unused substitution status in that match, Griezmann has been a stalwart for the national team, amassing an impressive 127 caps and scoring 44 goals for his country.
In his place, Matteo Guendouzi of Lazio has been called up for the first time since the last World Cup, adding a fresh dynamic to the French squad.
Guendouzi’s inclusion signals a shift in strategy for Coach Didier Deschamps, who described Griezmann as “not irreplaceable but essential” for the French set-up.
Deschamps, accepting recommendations from the team doctor, acknowledged Griezmann’s recent injury concerns, citing an ankle problem that resurfaced despite his return to the pitch for Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as Deschamps remarked, “With Antoine’s qualities, we’re not going to find a player who has his characteristics.”
The French squad faces additional injury woes, with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele also sidelined.
However, there is optimism surrounding the potential return of Adrien Rabiot, Lucas Hernandez, and Ibrahima Konate, although the latter has been plagued by minor injuries following a strenuous season.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of utilizing the upcoming friendlies to review the team’s workforce ahead of the Euro 2024 squad selection in mid-May.
speculation surrounding new talents like PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Deschamps opted to focus on refining existing combinations and strategies.
France is set to face European hosts Germany in Lyon on March 23rd, followed by a clash with Chile in Marseille three days later.
These matches serve as a crucial opportunity for Deschamps to experiment with different lineups and tactics before their European campaign kicks off against Austria on June 17th in Duesseldorf.
As anticipation builds for Euro 2024, the absence of Griezmann raises questions about France’s offensive capabilities and the team’s ability to adapt without one of its key playmakers.
With Deschamps at the helm, however, there’s confidence that the French squad will rise to the challenge, leveraging the depth of talent at their disposal to pursue another European championship title.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
