With the Nations League quarter-finals approaching, Didier Deschamps has unveiled the squad for France's highly anticipated clash against Croatia. The announcement, made on March 17, 2025, sees the return of the star forward Kylian Mbappé, who will once again grace the pitch as captain after being absent from the last two international breaks. Meanwhile, there is disappointment as Marcus Thuram has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, leaving the team with 23 active players for the upcoming matches.
Deschamps, recognizing the challenges of the squad, called up 24 players, anticipating complications from possible injuries. Unfortunately for the French team, Thuram, who plays for Inter Milan, is the only player from the roster to skip the training session that's open to the public. The medical staff evaluated his situation and confirmed his inability to participate. “L’attaquant de l’Inter Milan a été ausculté par le Dr Franck Le Gall avant de passer des examens. Gêné par une douleur récurrente à la cheville gauche, Marcus Thuram ne sera pas en mesure de participer aux rencontres,” stated the FFF via their official communication.
Thuram, having previously played under infiltration, has been deemed unfit for the lengthy fixtures against Croatia. The forward had recently displayed flashes of his potential, scoring two goals against Feyenoord Rotterdam during the UEFA Champions League, but had to be substituted around the 60-minute mark on both occasions. Just days ago, on March 16, he completed the full match against Atalanta during Inter Milan's victory, yet his performance was marred by his persistent ankle issues.
France will face Croatia first on March 20, 2025, at 20:45 local time in Split before returning to Stade de France for the second leg on March 23, 2025. While the team dynamics will shift with Thuram absent, the return of Kylian Mbappé promises to bolster the squad’s morale. Following the match against Villarreal on March 15, he seemed fatigued, exclaiming, “Je suis mort,” which raises questions about his fitness on the eve of the matches.
Players have begun to gather at the training facility at Clairefontaine, eagerly stepping back onto the pitch for preparation. Mbappé and his teammates are poised to sharpen their skills as they aim to secure their place following the quarter-finals. With the weight of expectations resting on their shoulders, the Blues hope to capitalize on their strong attacking strategies with Mbappé at the helm and supportive plays from his fellow teammates.
The upcoming quarter-final against Croatia will test the resilience and adaptability of the French squad. They’ll need to rise to the occasion, especially with injuries altering their lineup. It's these moments where teams often find their collective strength, meaning fans will be watching closely, hoping for the best for their national team as they strive to advance.
With uncertainty about the exact configurations on the field due to Thuram's injury, Deschamps has retained confidence, prioritizing the players currently available to him. While discussions about substitutions linger, no replacement has been called for the injured forward. The focus will be on cohesion and teamwork as the 23 active players prepare for their first leg against Croatia.
The match-up is not just about numbers but the synergy between the players, especially with the stakes so high. While some fans express disappointment over Thuram's absence, others remain optimistic about the team’s capabilities. The time at Clairefontaine will be invaluable for building chemistry and strategic play.
France hopes to establish their dominance against Croatia, aiming to secure victory first on away soil before returning home with momentum. Both matches are primed to be significant not only for the current tournament but for shaping the future of the French national team's path moving forward.
This edition of the Nations League has already seen tremendous talent and competitive spirit from various teams, and France's performance could greatly influence their standing. Therefore, the stakes have never been higher as the French prepare for the quarter-final showdown, with eyes firmly focused on the prize.
While challenges persist, the French team is fired up to face their opponents head-on. Can they defy the odds and deliver under pressure? Only time will tell as they gear up for the intense clash against Croatia, ready to bring their best to the pitch.
