LIVE. Deschamps' list: Maghnes Akliouche a big surprise, discover the 23 players

"He's doing well today, everything's fine, the sun is out," says Didier Deschamps. "I make the same observation for him, he's had a little more time to get going compared to 2024 when he changed clubs. It was difficult for him, but he still had a great season despite the lack of titles apart from the Super Cup. He's sharp now. He still has this attachment to the French team and responsibilities as captain."

"He's in a complicated situation right now. It hasn't always been easy for him, but he's not getting any playing time and training separately. I hope he'll find a solution by Monday to be an active player. There are elements on the athletic level and in terms of playing time that aren't compatible with international requirements. He's not in the rhythm for an international match. I already have players who aren't and can't be at their best... I hope the situation is resolved by Monday."

"That Kanté is still eligible for selection is the case. I recalled him at the last Euro and I can also bring him back during the year. At some point, I hope to be faced with the question of whether to recall him or not. We continue to follow his matches and he had a very good season at his club last year. Regarding his level, there is no problem, but it allows the others to become more experienced. With Pavard, it is not linked to his level and what he can do, but it is linked to the use of defenders between the right and left axis. Upamecano plays on the right, Saliba plays on the left with us. In the right-footed central defenders, they are all exclusively right axis. I also prefer Lucas Hernandez, who does not have a lot of playing time, he has experience and I preferred this option on the left axis or on the left side if necessary."

"Olivier was clear. He added three words that interest people with 'never say never'. I'm happy that he's succeeding and he still has his great popularity. He's said his goodbyes, he knows there's a new generation. I hope it continues for him, it's always nice to feel this popular and media support that he hasn't always had."

"It also depends on the availability of each player. The objective is clear, these are not friendly matches that we have against the two best teams in this group of four. There were many, there are many players who could join the squad. I said it for Ekitike and it goes for others, but I am limited to 23 players. In competition, with 26 players, that's three more people despite a limited potential playing time. When I call up a player, it's not only linked to results with the club, but with my staff we must identify potential for the international level. I always have the desire to open up the team even if I have to rely on a core group. We may need new blood occasionally because of injuries and absences. Like in June with the absences in the defensive line. This broadens the possibilities at each meeting but with the limitation of numbers."

"He's there, on a personal level, his change of club exposes him more. Not that he wasn't a star at Lille, but it's different at PSG. There's a hierarchy among goalkeepers, even if it can change. I'm not taking anything away from Mike, who was able to be decisive with us in March and then against Germany in June. I'm not going to complain about having three very high-level goalkeepers, and that's often been the case. For Lucas, it will be there or later, but it will happen at one point or another. I'm sticking with number 1 as long as he performs well, but logically, Lucas Chevalier will have to experience his first selection sooner or later," explained Didier Deschamps in a press conference.

A small surprise with the non-call-up of Ekitike, but the presence of Akliouche. "Hugo, we were already following him in Frankfurt. Good for him. It's very good that he's effective but there's competition. I'm not going to accumulate players, but he has the potential for the French team. Maghnès Akliouche is more of a wing player. He had a good season with Monaco, he can still improve in his effectiveness but he's doing interesting things."

"He's done his preparation. He played the first matches and what happened happened. I don't know what will happen by Monday when he joins us. His situation will be clear by Monday, it will be resolved. These are not easy things to manage when they become media-driven. I'm not going to say who's right and who's wrong. I spoke with him. I care about Adrien because of what he did with us. It was important to know what state of mind he's in. It's very good that he can be there for the two very important matches," explained the French national team coach at a press conference.

Didier Deschamps has just announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming two matches against Ukraine and Iceland, and the surprise addition is Maghnes Akliouche.

In a few seconds, you'll be able to discover Didier Deschamps's list for the next two matches. One or more surprises, the answer is imminent.

Here is the list of the Blues during the Final Four a few months ago.

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Lucas Chevalier
• Defenders: Loïc Badé, Ibrahima Konaté, Pierre Kalulu, Théo Hernandez, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Clément Lenglet and Benjamin Pavard
• Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Manu Koné, N'Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Mattéo Guendouzi.
• Forwards: Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki.

It's certain that Deschamps' list will be very different from the last one, especially in defense. Saliba, Upamecano, and Koundé, all returning from injury, will be named to the French national team coach's list.

It's unlikely, but the Adrien Rabiot situation will pose some problems for Didier Deschamps if the situation isn't resolved. According to the latest information, the Frenchman will be on Didier Deschamps' list, but if he changes his mind at the last minute, he could call up Boubacar Kamara, Youssouf Fofana, or Kephren Thuram.

With Théo's departure to Saudi Arabia, there's uncertainty surrounding the two brothers' presence on the roster, and the one and only spot could be decided between the two. With Lucas Digne having scored points, he could leapfrog everyone else in the hierarchy. Lucas Hernandez could hold the lead due to his versatility on the wing and in the center of defense.

Didier Deschamps will unveil his 23-man squad in less than two hours from the FFF headquarters. Surprises like the arrival of Frenchman Hugo Ekitike are expected, but nothing is set in stone yet. And as always, this list is unfortunately subject to change due to injuries.