Kante returns as France seek to clinch World Cup berth

Paris: N Golo Kante returned to the France squad to reinforce the injury hit midfield for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan....

Paris:  N'Golo Kante returned to the France squad to reinforce the injury-hit midfield for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Victory over Ukraine on November 13 at the Parc des Princes would ensure France's qualification for the tournament in North America.

If they fail, Les Bleus will have another opportunity against Azerbaijan in Baku on November 16.

With Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot both injured, coach Didier Deschamps recalled the 34-year-old Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad, as a midfield option.

The former Premier League winner with Chelsea and Leicester has 64 caps, but his last France appearance was against Israel in a Nations League group game on November 14, 2024.