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France head coach Didier Deschamps has sent Hugo Ekitike a clear message that, despite missing out on the national squad for September’s fixtures, he is under consideration for future camps.
Despite making an impressive start to life at Liverpool, the forward was overlooked by Deschamps when France’s squad was announced on Wednesday for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland.
France has an array of attacking talent, with Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele among those selected by Deschamps. Ekitike was linked with a possible call-up but missed out on the squad, although the uncapped Maghnes Akliouche was part of the 23-man group.
Explaining his decision in a press conference shortly after the announcement, Deschamps said: “Hugo, because of what he did last season and at Liverpool, we were already following him at Frankfurt.
“Good for him. It’s great that he's effective, but there’s competition. I’m not going to pile up players, but he has the potential for the French team.”
On the inclusion of Akliouche, who has been capped at youth level and produced seven goals and 12 assists last season for Monaco, Deschamps said: “Maghnes Akliouche is more of a winger.
“He had a good season with Monaco, he can still improve his effectiveness, but he’s doing some interesting things.”
As for Ekitike, he has scored in all of his first three matches for Liverpool, becoming the first player to do so since Daniel Sturridge in 2013.
Having joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer for a fee of up to £79million ($107M), doubts were raised about whether Ekitike was ready to lead the line this season in the Premier League, especially after just one full season at an elite level in his career.
Ironically, he has settled more quickly than the Reds’ more established signings, such as Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool’s no.22, who is eligible to declare for Cameroon, has previously been called up by France at an underage level, but never by the senior team.
He is one of the few members of Arne Slot’s squad who will not play for their respective international sides over the break.
Liverpool plays Arsenal on Sunday and returns with a trip to Burnley two weeks later.
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