Cherki and Akliouche missing from Deschamps' squad for matches against Croatia!

The list of players selected by Didier Deschamps for the matches against Croatia, in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, was announced on Thursday, March 13. Surprisingly, the two talents of Algerian origin, Rayan Cherki (Lyon) and Maghnas Akliouche (Monaco), are not included, despite their remarkable performances in Ligue 1 this season.

The coach of Les Bleus has chosen to leave these two players out of the 25-man squad set to face Croatia on March 20 and 23. Despite their positive impact at their respective clubs, Deschamps explained that places within the French team are extremely competitive.

He added that Cherki and Akliouche are set to represent the France U21 team in the upcoming Nations League matches and could move closer to a spot in the senior team in the future, depending on their performances.

Cherki and Akliouche called up with the France U21 team

In a similar context, the two players have been called by the France U21 coach for the matches against England and Slovakia, scheduled as part of the U21 Nations League.

Cherki and Akliouche are among the most promising young talents in French football, and their progress this season in Ligue 1 has not gone unnoticed by observers, both in France and Algeria, who are trying to convince them to join the national team.

Also read: Ligue 1: Everyone wants Rayan Cherki!

Mohamed Rek |

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Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.