Mathieu Debuchy is “calmly” awaiting the pending announcement of France’s 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.

On Thursday, national team manager Didier Deschamps will disclose the 23 players that will be representing France this summer. Mathieu Debuchy, however, told L’Equipe that he is not anxious regarding the decision.

Injury dealt blow to chances

Debuchy’s hopes of selection suffered majorly in February when the full-back sustained a muscular injury during Bordeaux’s Ligue 1 encounter with Nice. The Arsenal loanee had started all of Les Girondins’ league games following his arrival but injury has restricted the 31-year-old to just four further starts.

Debuchy in Bordeaux colours. (Source: Eurosport)
Debuchy in Bordeaux colours. (Source: Eurosport)

The former Lille defender returned against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome last month and has since been involved in three of the club’s last four matches as he attempts to obtain some much-needed game time ahead of the finals. The defender stated that his injury “feels good”.

Chances slim for Debuchy

Debuchy last played for Les Blues last September but remains optimistic of a chance to play for his country this summer. "I will calmly await the choice of the coach,” proclaimed the defender on Monday morning. If I am [selected], it will be greeted with great pride and I will be very happy” continued Debuchy. “If I'm not there, I will go on holiday with my family.”

The Frenchman started four of France’s five World Cup matches under the management of Deschamps but will face stiff competition from Manchester City’s Bacary Sagna and Lyon’s Christophe Jallet, who have both enjoyed full campaigns with their respective clubs. Debuchy does realise that a wealth of options on the right side of defense does benefit his country though, saying that the right-back position feels “very well mentally”.

Debuchy’s final opportunity to impress Deschamps ended with a clean sheet against a faltering Lorient side.

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Conor de Smith
Trying to make it in journalism. Contributing to VAVEL since July 2013.