Uncapped French players receive blow ahead of World Cup

TL;DR

Uncapped French players, including Eli Junior Kroupi and Matthieu Udol, are unlikely to be selected for the FIFA World Cup despite strong performances. Hugo Ekitiké's injury does not open a path for them, with Randal Kolo Muani favored for the squad.

Key points

Uncapped French players in excellent form
Eli Junior Kroupi and others not expected to be called up
Hugo Ekitiké's injury does not help their chances
Randal Kolo Muani likely to replace Ekitiké

Mentioned in this story

Eli Junior KroupiHugo EkitikéRandal Kolo Muani

BournemouthLes Bleus

Uncapped French players receive blow ahead of World Cup

There are plenty of uncapped French players in excellent form, but we should perhaps not expect to see them at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Players such as Eli Junior Kroupi, Robin Risser, Matthieu Udol, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Jean Butez have all impressed this season, earning them plaudits. There are also calls for Didier Deschamps to take them to the World Cup.

Kroupi, in particular, has looked excellent for Bournemouth and has quickly adapted to life in the Premier League. That has yet to be recognised with a call-up to the France squad. And Hugo Ekitiké’s recent injury is not expected to provide a late route into *Les Bleus’*squad for the World Cup. As per Le Parisien, Randal Kolo Muani is the favourite to take the Liverpool forward’s slot.

Speaking to **Ouest-France,**France’s assistant manager, Guy Stéphan, has now said that the chances of seeing any uncapped player at this summer’s tournament are slim. *“I don’t think that any player not previously selected will go to the World Cup this summer,”*said Stéphan.

Q&A

Why are uncapped French players not expected to be selected for the World Cup?

Despite their impressive performances, uncapped players like Eli Junior Kroupi have not received call-ups, and injuries to others do not create opportunities for them.

Who are the uncapped French players mentioned for the World Cup?

The uncapped players include Eli Junior Kroupi, Robin Risser, Matthieu Udol, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Jean Butez.

What is the impact of Hugo Ekitiké's injury on the French squad for the World Cup?

Hugo Ekitiké's injury is not expected to benefit uncapped players, as Randal Kolo Muani is favored to take his place in the squad.