France football head coach Didier Deschamps drafted in Lens striker Florent Thauvin for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan after his first choice forward Randal Kolo Muani was ruled out with injury.
Kolo Muani, 26, was injured on Saturday during Tottenham Hotspur's 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the English Premier League.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Sunday night hat he had suffered an injury to his lower jaw.
Thauvin, 32, featured in the France squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
But he fell from favour following the triumph. After six years in the international wilderness, he received a call-up for last round of qualifiers in October and marked his return with a goal in the 3-0 victory against Azerbaijan on 10 October.
French coach Deschamps to step down after 2026 World Cup
France lead European qualifying Group D with 10 points after four games. They will advance to next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada with a win over second-placed Ukraine on Thursday night at the Parc des Princes.
Even with a defeat, France will get the chance to book their berth in their final game in Azerbaijan on 16 November.
Deschamps, 57, is dealing with a string of injuries to his forward line. Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé was injured during Paris Saint-Germain's defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Dembélé's PSG in teammate Désiré Doué is also absent and Marcus Thuram has only just returned to action with Inter Milan after being sidelined for over a month with a left thigh injury.
However, skipper Kylian Mbappé has been in sparkling form with Real Madrid. The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals for the Spanish league leaders and struck five times in their Champions League games.
(with newswires)
