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10th Nov 2016

Anthony Martial’s France woes continue as he’s overlooked again

Can't catch a break

Darragh Murphy

Anthony Martial doesn’t seem to be close to getting a game for either club or country.

The 20-year-old has had to be content with a bit-part role under new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho despite impressing in his debut Premier League season.

Martial hasn’t started a Premier League game since September and his lack of game time for the Red Devils has seemingly resulted in a similar snub on the international stage.

After leaving the youngster out of the most recent France squad in favour of Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud, many expected Didier Deschamps to call Martial up when Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman withdrew with an injury to his left leg this week.

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League

But, instead, Deschamps has overlooked the versatile forward by bringing Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar in to the squad ahead of Les Bleus’ upcoming World Cup Qualifier against Sweden.

“Making a squad, it’s always difficult,” Deschamps recently said of the initial decision to leave Martial out.

“His club coach expects more from him, too, which has already been pointed out to him at the last meet-up.

Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016

“I have not forgotten what he is capable of doing but it is up to him to make efforts to find his best form. He is not at the level where he should be.”

Poor Anto.

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