Bradley Barcola in, Christoper Nkunku and Kingsley Coman out? France’s Didier Deschamps facing selection headache ahead of Euro 2024
With Kingsley Coman (27) and Christopher Nkunku (26) currently sidelined with injuries, Bradley Barcola’s (21) chances of making France’s Euro 2024 squad are increasing, as per a report from L’Équipe.
Coman suffered a hamstring injury earlier in April. In the wake of the injury, Bayern Munich announced that the winger would be unavailable for “several weeks”. Coman will not feature again for the Bavarian side this season and there is increasing pessimism regarding his participation in this summer’s European Championships, set to be held in Germany. There is no doubt that Didier Deschamps trusts Coman and would like him in the squad, but the France manager has previously shown a reticence to call up players who are anything short of 100% fit.
Nkunku’s chances of going to the Euros are also slim. The former RB Leipzig forward has had an injury-hit debut season at Chelsea. Nkunku has recently returned to training after suffering a thigh injury in February but if he is to play again this season, it is unlikely to be from the start. It is not completely implausible that he won’t play for Chelsea again this season.
Nkunku’s and Coman’s absences could work to the advantage of Barcola, who despite never receiving a senior call-up for Les Bleus, is looking increasingly likely to secure a seat on the plane to Germany. The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s performances, particularly those in the UEFA Champions League, have impressed Deschamps. Especially in the event of the squad size being increased from 23 to 26 players, as seems likely, Barcola can be confident of making his France debut in Germany this summer.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
Read on getfootballnewsfrance.com
