France manager Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to leave Eduardo Camavinga out of the national team squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is now just 25 days away.
The decision has already sparked major debate among fans and pundits, especially considering Camavinga’s quality and experience at the top level despite his young age.
Speaking after announcing his squad, Deschamps said the Real Madrid midfielder had endured a difficult season affected by injuries and limited playing time. The France boss admitted the call was painful but insisted he had to make difficult choices before the tournament.
“I left Camavinga out because he’s coming out of a hard season where he didn’t play much and also with a lot of injuries,” Deschamps said.
The French coach also showed sympathy towards the midfielder and acknowledged the disappointment the player would be feeling.
“He’s still young. I have choices to make. I need a structure for my list, but I can understand how sad Eduardo can be tonight,” he added.
Camavinga has been considered one of the brightest midfield talents in world football over the last few years. His versatility, energy and technical quality made him an important option for both club and country. However, recurring fitness issues and inconsistent minutes appear to have worked against him at the worst possible time.