Randal Kolo Muani favourite to replace Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitiké in France’s World Cup squad

Randal Kolo Muani favourite to replace Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitiké in France’s World Cup squad: Randal Kolo Muani favourite to replace Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitiké in France’s World Cup squad

The injury that Hugo Ekitiké sustained during Liverpool’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (2-0, [agg. 4-0]) will see him ruled out for around nine months, according to a report from Le Parisien. The Liverpool forward had been set for inclusion in France’s FIFA World Cup squad. His absence now provides an opportunity for some fringe players to stake a late claim.

Mateta and Nkunku also in the frame

Le Parisien understands that the favourite to replace Ekitiké in the squad is Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from PSG. That is despite the forward struggling at Spurs this season. Kolo Muani still retains the trust of Didier Deschamps, and that could prove key. 

There are two other names in the reckoning: AC Milan’s Christopher Nkunku and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. Both have previously been capped by Les Bleus, whilst the latter has impressed during his three appearances, netting twice in that time.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle