France boss Didier Deschamps has defended his decision to overlook Manchester United forward Anthony Martial for Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud.
Martial has scored five times this term playing in a centre forward position under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Giroud, by contrast, has managed just one goal and that came in Chelsea’s Super Cup defeat to Liverpool in August.
The former Arsenal star has managed just 211 minutes in all competitions this term but he was still included in France’s squad this week ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Moldova.
Deschamps, though, has defended the decision and says Giroud has always repaid his faith.
‘Maybe that means something but it’s mostly what happened on the pitch that means something,’ said Deschamps.
‘If he is the one I used the most, do not forget either the ratio of matches and goals.
‘There are not many in front of him in terms of goals in the history of the France team. He did the right thing, he answered the trust.’
Martial will be saddened that his good form has not earned him a call-up, especially as Kylian Mbappe is struggling with injury.
But Deschamps has opened the door to the United forward returning in the near future.
‘He was part of the French team on a regular basis, but recently he was often injured,’ said Deschamps.
‘He came back not so long ago and it’s going well in his role as a central striker with Manchester United. For a long time he’s been part of the players likely to be called up.’
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