PARIS (AP) – Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was first called from France on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland.
Coach Didier Deschamps has dealt with the absences in the attacks, including injured Paris Saint-Germain strikers Des Cirres Deux and Baron de Ort Hausmane Dembele and Marcus Tulam.
Mateta suffered a serious head injury that was required last year. 25 stitches To the severely torn ears. He was a key part of Crystal Palace’s great start this season. The 28-year-old forward has four goals in 10 games in all competitions. Still unbeaten in the Premier League, the London club is third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
“Even if he’s been on almost every youth national team, he’s not exactly young. Wherever he plays, he has the ability to score goals,” Deschamps said. “He has an interesting profile.”
Mateta is part of the French team that won a silver medal at the 2024 Parisiolmème, scoring five goals when he became a fan favorite.
AC Milan striker Christopher Nukank was also called out by Deschamps, thanks to the absence of the injured player.
France will host Azerbaijan on October 10th and will play in Iceland three days later. France Top Group D has won two games.
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France:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Lucas Chevalier (PSG), and Bryce Samba (Rennes).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Giral), William Saliba (Arsenal), Deiot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kuund (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Manukone (as Rome), Eduardo Camabinga (Real Madrid), Kefrenserram (Juventus), Michael Oris (Bayern Munich), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille).
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Brad Leebercora (PSG), Kingsley Coman (Alnasl), Magnes Acryusch (Monaco), Hugo Ekichike (Liverpool), Jamphilippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Christophern Kank (AC Milan)
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
