France manager Didier Deschamps says he has every right to select N’Golo Kante despite the midfielder only recently recovering from a groin problem.
The Chelsea star has not played since he sustained the injury in the last international break, but despite Frank Lampard’s concerns over Kante’s fitness, following a number of injuries this season, Deschamps says he will continue to pick the 28-year-old:
“I haven’t spoken to him. NG has taken time to recover, he was back in training last week, in their squad for the Champions League. He is back to full fitness. If a player is available for his club, it is normal that they be part of this squad.”
Supporters on Twitter are unsurprisingly not happy with Deschamps’s remarks and want Kante to be eased back into playing matches:
Useless coach
— Ricky nelly (@Rickkynelly) November 7, 2019
?♂️
— 2nde akash (@iamturnt_af) November 7, 2019
This rubbish, should be stopped, from the French coach, how can?
— be strong (@Buddybabashola1) November 7, 2019
Paying back lampard for not playing giroud
— kwekuima (@KwekuDogbe) November 7, 2019
That's not possible, it's a must unless the player opt out
— Muhammed Sanusi (@Kunleski95) November 8, 2019
If you get him injured again, you'll hear from us!!!
— MCK (@The_Reel_MCK) November 7, 2019
Wth? look what happened when u tried to rush him back against lampards wishes last time, I'm pretty sure hes yet to play a game for us since
— Chriso (@Chriso65818609) November 8, 2019
France has enough players to make 7 teams but ok, lets risk injured ones
— Admir (@theBlueYank) November 7, 2019
Please don’t deprive the world of greatness because of pettiness. France will qualify without kante
— van glock☔️ (@justinmusic340) November 7, 2019
Kante has been selected in France’s squad for their upcoming games against Moldova and Albania later this month, and there is justifiable concern that he could pick up another issue whilst away with his national side.
The fact that Deschamps has said he hasn’t spoken with Lampard is a major worry. The Blues boss was unhappy with how his fitness was handled last time he went away with France, and you would have hoped there would be better communication between both coaches over the situation.