Leeds United star Illan Meslier is set to miss out on being selected by France’s senior squad for their March internationals, with Brice Samba set to be named as the third-choice keeper in the squad.
According to Telefoot, Samba’s recent impressive performances for RC Lens have caught the eye of Didier Deschamps, who is set to name the former Nottingham Forest star in France’s latest squad as a replacement for Hugo Lloris, who retired from international football after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Samba has been key for Lens this season in what is shaping up to be another historic season for the French club, with Franck Haise’s side currently sitting third and firmly in a driving seat for a UEFA Champions League spot, with the 28-year-old making 27 appearances in Ligue 1.
The news will come as another huge blow for Meslier, who has been a regular for France at U-21 level and has been tipped by many to make the leap into Deschamps’ senior plans following Lloris’ retirement from Les Bleus. However, Samba is set to be named instead.
Indeed, it remains to be seen how Samba will perform for France in their upcoming fixtures against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland or even if the Lens star will make his debut, and for Meslier, this news could be a huge confidence blow for the young Leeds star, even with the keeper struggling for form this season.
The Whites sit 19th in the Premier League with one of the worst defensive records in the division, and whilst Meslier has the potential to become a future no. 1 for France, it seems like Deschamps wants players performing now in his squad rather than a keeper with promise.
Samba could keep Meslier out of the France squad for years to come
Samba’s performances for Lens this season have been nothing short of incredible, with the former Forest man firing the French club to new heights that few would have expected. And for Meslier, the 28-year-old could keep the Leeds man out of the senior team set-up for some time.
As we know, Samba taking Lloris’ place in the France squad could mean an even longer wait for Meslier to finally be named by Les Bleus on a senior level. And if the Lens keeper is given a chance by Deschamps to impress, the Ligue 1 star could find himself a fixture in the team for many years to come.
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