Overview
- France need one victory against Ukraine on 13 November at the Parc des Princes to clinch qualification, with a second chance in Baku against Azerbaijan on 16 November if required.
- N’Golo Kanté returns alongside Rayan Cherki, Randal Kolo Muani and Warren Zaïre-Emery, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot are out injured and Ousmane Dembélé is unavailable.
- Explaining Kanté’s recall, Didier Deschamps said the veteran is “at his best level” and is selected to play a meaningful role, and he cited Kolo Muani’s versatility and Zaïre-Emery’s recent club form for their returns.
- PSG confirmed injuries sustained versus Bayern for Achraf Hakimi (severe left ankle sprain, estimated six to eight weeks), Ousmane Dembélé (left calf lesion) and Nuno Mendes (left knee sprain), with ex-international Benoît Costil questioning Luis Enrique’s risk management.
- Marseille’s 1-0 loss to Atalanta followed a non-reviewed handball in the Italian box, prompting protests from sporting director Medhi Benatia and Marseille mayor Benoît Payan and leaving OM’s Champions League prospects in trouble.