Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne replaces Ferland Mendy in France squad

Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne (31) has received a late call-up to join Didier Deschamps’ France squad, the French FA has confirmed. The former Barcelona and PSG defender replaces Ferland Mendy (29). The Real Madrid left-back is reportedly feeling pain in his right tibia. Following talks between the medical staff of Real Madrid and that of the French national team, it was agreed to leave Mendy at the disposal of the Merengues.

Digne had not been called up for international duty since June 2022. His latest game for France was a 1-0 home loss in the UEFA Nations League group stage against Croatia. France will host Italy this Friday at Paris’ Parc des Princes before locking horns with Belgium next Monday at Lyon’s Parc OL to kickstart their 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League campaign. Digne started all three of Aston Villa’s Premier League season, logging an assist for Jhon Duran’s goal against Leicester last Saturday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval