Presnel Kimpembe has been replaced in France’s World Cup squad by the uncapped Axel Disasi, despite returning from injury for Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend.
After sitting out the wins over Juventus and Lorient, PSG
defender Kimpembe played the final 15 minutes of Sunday’s 5-0 Ligue 1 triumph
over Auxerre.
Kimpembe, who has represented France 28 times, said after
the match he “is feeling fine” and was looking forward to linking up with his
country for Qatar 2022.
However, the French Football Federation announced on Monday
the defender “does not consider himself sufficiently recovered” to be able to
represent the reigning world champions.
Didier Deschamps has added center-back Disasi, who has made
23 appearances for Monaco this season, to his 26-man squad as Kimpembe’s
replacement.
Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram has also been
called up after scoring 13 times and assisting four more in 17 appearances this
season.
The France squad are due to meet at their Clairefontaine
training base on Monday ahead of their Group D opener against Australia on
November 22.
Les Blues, who are attempting to become the third team to
win back-to-back World Cups, then take on Denmark and Tunisia.