N’Golo Kanté returns to France squad

PARIS, France:

World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has been recalled by France for qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Kante made his 64th and last appearance for Les Bleus in November last year during a goalless draw with Israel. The diminutive and tireless midfielder plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.

"He is at his best level," France coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday after unveiling his 24-player list. "When I call him, it's not to make him feel he is part of the group, it's to give him an important role."

Europe Group D leaders France can secure qualification for next year's World Cup with a win against second-placed Ukraine on November 13 at the Parc des Princes. Coach Didier Deschamps' players will then fly to Baku for the game against Azerbaijan three days later.

Up front, Deschamps is missing injured Paris Saint-Germain forwards Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. But he has plenty of firepower at his disposal, including in-form Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.

-AP