Man Utd news: Anthony Martial dropped from France squad, Dimitri Payet replaces him

MANCHESTER UNITED forward Anthony Martial has not been picked by France coach Didier Deschamps for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Belarus.
Martial impressed in Manchester United’s Champions League win over CSKA Moscow this week before limping off with a thigh complaint.

And he’s not been included for France’s games on October 7 and 10, with Marseille forward Dimitri Payet coming in as the 21-year-old’s replacement.

Martial’s Old Trafford team-mate Paul Pogba, who picked up a hamstring injury earlier this month, and Stoke loanee Kurt Zouma also miss out.

Their absence allows Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane to be recalled to Les Bleus squad.
Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Arsenal duo Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscileny and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante are also included.

Martial’s absence will come as a surprise after an impressive start to the season, with Jose Mourinho yesterday hailing his performance against CSKA Moscow.
“I think the game adapted to his qualities, the way we play adapted to his qualities too,” Mourinho said.

“He had a lot of freedom and lots of support and lots of quality around him too. OK, a goal is always important, even with a penalty.

“His contribution was good, but he couldn’t play 90 minutes [having limped off after 72 minutes]. I was ready to leave him on the pitch the whole game.”

Source:www.express.co.uk