Absent from the field since his exit at halftime from France-Austria (2-0) on September 22, Mike Maignan will not be traveling to Qatar for the World Cup (November 20 – December 18). The AC Milan goalkeeper relapsed from his left calf injury on October 19. “If he is not on the list, it is because it is not possible for him to be operational in relation to the deadlines”Didier Deschamps justified himself on Wednesday on the sidelines of the announcement of his list of 25 players.
When asked who would be number 2 in his absence, the coach admitted that he had not yet informed his players but that his choice was made. If he recalled Rennais Steve Mandanda (37 years old, 34 selections), who could therefore occupy this role of understudy for Hugo Lloris, it is “because he is an experienced player”replied Deschamps. “Steve made sure to continue to be competitive”he added.