Qatar 2022 is looming around, but France will have to wait for it a bit longer. First, Les Bleus must take care of the UEFA Nations League fixtures ahead of them in the September international break.
Didier Deschamps’ boys started the group stage on the wrong foot, going winless in their first four games (D2 L2) and consequently seeing themselves bottom of Group A in the top tier.
Therefore, the upcoming games against Austria and Denmark are crucial to avoid a humiliating relegation to League B. France will have to overcome notable absences, though, as neither Karim Benzemanor Paul Pogba will be eligible.
Why is Paul Pogba not playing for France in the UEFA Nations League?
Paul Pogba has not been called up by France for the September international break because he underwent knee surgery earlier this month. In fact, he may not make it on time for the World Cup.
The Frenchman picked up an injury in preseason, failing to play a single minute this season. Shortly after signing for Juventus, Pogba tore the meniscus in his right knee during a team training.
At the beginning, he was reluctant to undergo surgery because of his World Cup aspirations. Pogba ended up going under the knife and it remains to be seen whether he makes it to the big tournament.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
