Deschamps says taking semi-fit Paul Pogba to World Cup is 'inconceivable'

Didier Deschamps has insisted he will not take half-fit Paul Pogba to the World Cup after France saw several stars left out of their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

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Pogba is yet to make a competitive appearance since returning to Juventus on a free transfer in July. He is doubtful for the tournament in Qatar after opting to undergo surgery to resolve a lateral meniscus injury to his right knee.

The 2018 World Cup winner isn't the only injury concern for Deschamps ahead of Nations League games against Austria and Denmark this month.

Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema has been left out of his squad after picking up a knee injury, although Carlo Ancelotti said the forward was 'progressing well' earlier this week.

Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez and Kingsley Coman are also out.

Pogba's injury is the most worrying for Deschamps, who was unable to give an update on his condition on Thursday.

“It is impossible today to say anything [except] through the intervention and the treatment protocol that he has,” Deschamps said.

"I know Paul very well, with whom I speak regularly. Today, no one, even him, can say if he will be there [at the World Cup]. I don't know if he can be cured.

"Since I have been here, I have never, for a single final, taken a player if he was not completely recovered. Paul, he is not here to amuse the gallery.

"If he is recovered, it would be a very good thing. He will not come if he is not in good shape. He does not want that either. It is inconceivable. The number of players who will be there they will all be ready to play.

"This is a question in relation to the competition, those who will be selected will be able to meet these requirements."

Benzema's absence means Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann could be given an opportunity in the Blues' upcoming matches, despite having limited playing time at club level this season.

While Atleti are reportedly looking to avoid a buy-in clause in Griezmann's loan deal, the striker has played just 192 minutes in all competitions this season, although he has yet to find the path of the nets three times.

Deschamps isn't concerned about the 31-year-old's lack of action, adding: "At least he's not tired. He has a situation which, you know, limits his playing time.

"He remains an important and decisive player for his club. He aspires to do better, to do more. It has been a good time [even if] he has not completed 90 minutes."

Deschamps has named three unselected players to his 23-man squad for this month's matches: Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Monaco duo Youssouf Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

France have recorded two draws and two defeats in their opening four Nations League Group A1 fixtures, leaving the world champions to battle relegation from the competition's top tier. They host Austria on September 22 and travel to Denmark three days later.

French team: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (Milan); Benoit Badiashile (Monaco), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) , Raphael Varane (Manchester United); Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid); Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid); Olivier Giroud (Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain).