Deschamps Stays Loyal to Chevalier for U.S. Friendlies Despite Four-Month Layoff

Paris—France coach Didier Deschamps has retained Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for next week’s friendlies in the United States even though the 23-year-old has not played a competitive match since Jan. 26, when he lost his starting role to new PSG signing Matvey Safonov.

Chevalier was named Thursday as the third-choice keeper behind AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Rennes’ Brice Samba in Deschamps’ 26-man squad that will face Brazil on March 26 in Foxborough and Colombia on March 29 in Landover.

Acknowledging the goalkeeper’s lack of recent game time, Deschamps described the situation as “not ideal” but emphasized that loyalty can be part of squad building. “Reaching out is also part of building a relationship of trust,” he told reporters, noting that he has previously stuck with outfield players enduring temporary club struggles.

The squad announcement also saw Randal Kolo Muani summoned after PSG winger Bradley Barcola withdrew with a sprained right ankle sustained in Champions League action. Kolo Muani, on loan at Tottenham, marked his midweek arrival in London with the opening goal in a 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid. Deschamps selected nine forwards in total, including captain Kylian Mbappé and in-form Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

With an eye on June’s expanded World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada, Deschamps suggested the current group is likely to supply the core of his final roster. “Many of those who are here today will still be there,” he said. “It’s still too early to draw any hasty conclusions, but we’ll stick to this approach, knowing from experience that a lot can happen over the next two months.”

France will convene early next week before departing for the U.S., where the matches serve as the final international window before Deschamps must trim his squad for this summer’s global tournament.