Chelsea defender withdraws from France squad after "exchange" with manager

On the back of losing in the semi-finals at Euro 2024, France are now preparing to begin a new UEFA Nations League campaign.

Starting with a double-header of Italy and Belgium, Deschamps's side have been provided with a stiff test as they bid to challenge for the trophy.

Only five players who featured in the Euro 2024 squad have missed out, several due to injury, with Deschamps seemingly against experimenting in the extreme over the coming months.

However, Les Bleus have received somewhat of a blow after one of Chelsea's French contingent made the decision to turn down the opportunity to represent his country over the September international break.

Fofana opting for safety first

Wesley Fofana had been presented with the unforeseen chance to return to the national team fold having successfully come through three games with Chelsea.

The centre-back missed the entire 2023-24 with a serious knee injury and it has been somewhat of a surprise that he has been handed an immediate return to the starting lineup by new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old has been able to make three Premier League starts against Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace.

Having been named in the latest France squad, he appeared in line to add to his solitary cap, which came in the famous 14-0 victory over Gibraltar last summer.

Instead, the French Football Federation has released a statement to reveal that Fofana has taken the decision to avoid rushing his comeback at this stage.

It read: "After an exchange with Didier Deschamps, Wesley Fofana will finally remain at Chelsea's disposal and take advantage of the international break to follow a treatment protocol, linked to the injuries which kept him away from the pitch for a long time last season.

"Loic Bade is called up for the first time to replace him."

The right decision?

Having made just 25 appearances since the start of 2022-23, Fofana is understandably cautious about his progression after two significant injuries.

He would have naturally doubted whether it was possible for him to come through three Premier League fixtures at this point of the campaign, yet 90 minutes have been completed on each occasion.

Whether this development has a knock-on effect for his international career remains to be seen, but Fofana naturally feels in a position to put himself first.