FRANCE
More problems for Zidane as France select injured Varane
N'Zonzi joins Deschamps' list while Umtiti, Digne and Griezmann all take their expected place among the 24-man squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Didier Deschamps has announced his France squad for the first time since agreeing an extension to his contract with the national team, until 2020. One inclusion, Rafael Varane, adds a further headache to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
Bale and Varane injuries a pain
Los Blancos are not having the best of times at the moment - losing heavily to Spurs in the Champions League followed defeat in LaLiga to Girona - and Zidane does not want to risk any more players to the so-called 'Fifa virus'. His French central defender was taken off injured in that game in Girona and was unfit for the European match, but despite this has been included in the 24-man squad for friendlies against Wales and Germany next week. Gareth Bale, another injury concern for Zidane, has also been named in the Welsh squad.
Other than Madrid's Varane, Spanish league respresentation in the French squad comes from Barcelona (Umtiti and Digne), Atlético Madrid (Griezmann) and Sevilla (N'Zonzi).
The full France squad:
Areola, Costil, Mandanda
Digne, Jallet, Kimpembe, Koscienly, Kurzawa, Pavard, Umtiti, Varane
Matuidi, N'Zonzi, Rabiot, Sissoko, Tolisso, Coman, Fekir
Giroud, Griezmann, Lacazette, Martial, Mbappé, Thauvin
