Raphael Varane and William Saliba named in France World Cup squad

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has been included in France’s World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old suffered a knee injury during United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in October, leaving the pitch in tears as he feared for his chances of competing in Qatar.

But the former Real Madrid star has made the 25-man squad, alongside Arsenal star William Saliba who will hope to start for Didier Deschamps side when they begin their campaign against Australia on 22 November.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to the Premier League season with the Gunners, becoming a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s backline and playing a pivotal role in helping his side take an early lead in the title race.

Despite reports suggesting he may miss out, Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni also makes the squad alongside Los Blancos teammates Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is also included with Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe having shaken off fitness concerns to make the squad of 25.

Both Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante miss out through injury.

While Varane has not featured since that 1-1 draw with Chelsea on 22 October, Deschamps is optimsitic over his fitness and expects the defender to be available for Les Blues’ group opener.

‘For Varane, it’s a little longer injury, but he will be available for the first match against Australia on the 22nd if all is fine,’ Deschamps said.

France are seeking to defend their World Cup crown after their success in Russia four years ago.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes).

Defenders: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), William Saliba (Arsenal), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Théo Hernandez (Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Jordan Veretout (Marseille), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig).

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