Deschamps calls up Kylian Mbappé with France and sparks other controversy: “It’s humanity”

France head coach Didier Deschamps included Kylian Mbappé in the national team squad despite the Real Madrid forward’s limited recent playing time.

France head coach Didier Deschamps included Kylian Mbappé in the national team squad despite the Real Madrid forward’s limited recent playing time.

The squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia sparked debate, especially with the inclusion of Lucas Chevalier as a third-choice goalkeeper.

Why was Mbappé called up with limited minutes?

Mbappé has been dealing with a knee injury, which has restricted his appearances, including only a brief involvement in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Manchester City.

Deschamps defended his decision and dismissed any marketing motives:

"It’s not true that he was forced to come for marketing purposes, he wanted to be here for these matches".

He also added that his condition will be monitored:

"We’ll see what happens this weekend against Atlético Madrid, how he feels, and based on that, we intend for all selected players to get minutes".

France will face Brazil on March 26 and Colombia three days later in the United States.

Deschamps explains Lucas Chevalier call-up

The French coach also justified the inclusion of Lucas Chevalier, who is expected to be third-choice goalkeeper.

"It’s a human gesture toward him. I don’t know how things will go for him before May, but we felt it was important to bring him".

France squad for Brazil and Colombia friendlies

Goalkeepers:
Lucas Chevalier (PSG/FRA), Mike Maignan (Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Rennes/FRA).

Defenders:
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (PSG/FRA), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal/SAU), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool/ENG), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER).

Midfielders:
Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe/TUR), Manu Koné (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (Milan/ITA), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG/FRA).

Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco/FRA), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/FRA), Désiré Doué (PSG/FRA), Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool/ENG), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham/ENG), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA).