Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard has been snubbed in the France squad for the break despite an injury to Dayot Upamecano.
This according to French outlet Le Figaro, via FCInterNews. They report that Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps has decided to turn to Sevilla’s Loic Bade instead.
Inter defender Pavard has fallen out of favour from the France squad in the last twelve months or so.
The 29-year-old was part of the French squad for EURO 2024. However, he did not play a minute at the tournament.
France coach Deschamps favoured Barcelona defender Jules Kounde at right-back, the position that Pavard had played as France won the World Cup in 2018.
Meanwhile, Deschamps has no shortage of options at centre-back. That is a position in which France have both quality and depth in abudnance.
Therefore, it is not altogether surprising that Pavard has lost his place.
Benjamin Pavard Snubbed In France Squad Despite Dayot Upamecano Injury
Pavard was not part of the France squad during the September international break.
And the Inter defender was once again left out for the October break.
Once again, France’s wealth of options at centre-back has kept Pavard out.
However, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has pulled out of the squad for the break. This is because of an injury that he has suffered.
It may well have seemed as though the former RB Leipzig defender’s injury would open up an opportunity for Pavard in the squad.
However, Le Figaro report, Deschamps has not opted for the 29-year-old.
Instead, the France coach has decided to turn to 24-year-old Sevilla defender Loic Bade.
This is a mark of how far down the pecking order Pavard has evidently fallen in the national team.
The 29-year-old still starts regularly for Inter. He does, however, have Yann Bisseck to compete with for a starting spot, with the German having put in some impressive displays early on this season.