Kante pulls out of France's Euro 2020 qualifiers squad

France's difficult trip to Turkey has become tougher following N'Golo Kante's withdrawal through injury.

Published : Jun 07, 2019 15:58 IST

N'Golo Kante will miss France's toughest Euro 2020 qualifying fixture after being ruled out of matches against Turkey and Andorra due to a knee concern.

The Chelsea midfielder pulled out of the squad following an assessment of the injury he sustained in the lead-up to the Europa League final win over Arsenal.

Kante, 28, made a quick recovery to play the full match in Baku but Les Bleus are taking no chances with his fitness.

"After meeting with the medical staff following the evolution of his right knee injury, coach Didier Deschamps decided to release the international midfielder from Chelsea FC before leaving for Konya, Turkey, scheduled for Friday morning," read a statement from the French Football Federation.

"He will not be replaced in the group."

Kante's withdrawal leaves head coach Deschamps with an important decision to make over who will partner Paul Pogba in midfield against tricky Group H competitors Turkey on Saturday.

The nations sit level on six points after winning its opening two games in March.

Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele started in last weekend's friendly victory against Bolivia, while Blaise Matuidi and Moussa Sissoko represent more experienced positions.

France visit minnows Andorra three days after the Turkey encounter.

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