By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Mathias Lessort has been named in France’s squad for November’s World Cup qualifiers, with head coach Frédéric Fauthoux hoping to welcome the center back for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics.
France will visit Estonia on November 27 before hosting Sweden in Dijon on November 30. Leading Group L with a 7-1 record, Les Bleus have an opportunity to secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
“If he is healthy, I hope he will be there,” Fauthoux said of Lessort. “Even though I know him very well because we worked together during U20 campaigns and have a very good relationship, it is very important to see him — me as the coach and him as a player for the senior French national team. We will see how his health holds up.”
Lessort, Paris Basketball guard Nadir Hifi and Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Jaylen Hoard are scheduled to join the training camp on November 25, two days after preparations begin. The coaching staff will then select 12 players for the trip to Estonia.
“The criterion this time was to call up players who play on Tuesday, November 24. That allows them to arrive on Wednesday, train on Thursday and play on Friday in Estonia. That makes sense,” Fauthoux explained.
The squad also features 18-year-old Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, who has earned his first senior call-up following a strong start to the season with Nanterre.
France squad: Gérald Ayayi, Hugo Benitez, Axel Bouteille, Mohamed Diarra, Lionel Gaudoux, Nadir Hifi, Jaylen Hoard, Mathéo Leray, Mathias Lessort, Adam Mokoka, Amine Noua, Zacharie Perrin, Benjamin Sene and Hugo Yimga-Moukouri.
Jahel Trèfle will join the camp as a training partner.
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