Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike earns first call-up for France

The 23-year-old has been summoned by Didier Deschamps to replace injured Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki, who is suffering from a quadriceps tear, according to reports from France's official X account.

The call-up will be welcome news for the forward following recent comments from Cameroon coach Marc Brys, where he shut the door for the player to play for his father's nation.

"I didn't contact him," said Brys.

"He put all his money into trying to play with France, but he didn't succeed. And now we, Cameroon, are the second choice? I don't need to be a second choice."

"He doesn't deserve to come here. We have good players who play with their heart. I don't need a star," added the Belgian manager.

Ekitike has enjoyed an impressive start for the Reds since joining from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring three goals and providing an assist in his first four matches with the Premier League champions.

France will take on Ukraine on Friday 5 September before hosting Iceland four days later on September 9.

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