France has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup following a decisive 4-0 victory over Ukraine. Kylian Mbappe played a crucial role, scoring twice and assisting once. However, Didier Deschamps
has decided not to risk playing him against Azerbaijan due to an ongoing ankle issue. Mbappe has returned to Real Madrid for further care, with Deschamps emphasising the importance of player health.
Despite his absence, France remains strong in Group D, leading by six points. The only match they didn't win was a 2-2 draw with Iceland, which Mbappe missed. Deschamps stated, "Kylian still has inflammation in his ankle. " He added that no risks would be taken with any player, referencing Eduardo Camavinga's previous situation.
Les Bleus are set to face Azerbaijan next. Although Azerbaijan cannot qualify for the upcoming tournament in North America, France aims to finish their qualifying campaign on a high note. Deschamps is expected to make several changes to the lineup for this match.
Hugo Ekitike might see more playtime after impressing against Ukraine. Deschamps praised Ekitike's performance: "He made a very, very good entrance [against Ukraine]. Just under 30 minutes. That's good. All the better. " Ekitike's contribution was significant despite limited experience with the national team.
France is heavily favoured to win against Azerbaijan according to Opta supercomputer simulations, which give them an 84.5% chance of victory. This match provides an opportunity for less experienced players to showcase their skills and gain valuable international experience.
As France prepares for their final qualifying game, Deschamps remains focused on maintaining momentum and ensuring all players are fit and ready for future challenges. The team's depth will be tested as they aim to conclude their qualifying journey successfully without key players like Mbappe on the field.
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