Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has officially withdrawn from France’s squad for the upcoming international break due to ongoing concerns with his knee.
The France Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that Fofana, who is still on a restricted schedule will be replaced by Inter Milan’s Benjamin Pavard.
Fofana is still recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him throughout last season.
The decision for Fofana to miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League games was reportedly made collaboratively by Chelsea’s and France’s medical teams, as they manage his inability to play multiple matches per week.
Didier Deschamps initially called up Fofana, but with his lingering injury, it was deemed best for him to continue his recovery.
Pavard, a regular in Deschamps’ squad since the European Championship, will fill Fofana’s spot.
His most recent appearance for Les Bleus was in a June warm-up match against Luxembourg.
France will face Italy and Israel in their Nations League fixtures during the break.
