Maghnes Akliouche Joins France Squad; Hugo Ekitike Absent

Paris, Aug 27 (AP) – Maghnes Akliouche has earned his first call-up to the French national team for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. Notably, Liverpool's in-form striker Hugo Ekitike is absent from the squad announced on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Akliouche plays as an attacking midfielder for Monaco and formerly participated with the French squad in last year's Olympic football tournament held on home soil. He has also been a part of France's youth national teams.

Coach Didier Deschamps included him as one of seven forwards as France prepares to kick off its World Cup qualifying campaign.

Hugo Ekitike, also 23, who has successfully cemented his position as the starting striker at Liverpool, was not listed. Ekitike has impressed by scoring in each of his first three matches for the Premier League champions following his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt during the offseason.

Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele were picked, as anticipated. Moreover, center back William Saliba makes a return to the team after missing out on the Nations League finals due to an injury over the summer.

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