Anthony Martial photographed next to the Tricolour symbol of France

Martial withdraws from the France squad

Monday 12 November 2018 15:58

A groin injury has forced Anthony Martial to withdraw from France's squad for the upcoming games against the Netherlands and Uruguay.

The Manchester United forward had received his first international call-up since March on the back of his impressive club form, but has now pulled out of squad. 

Didier Deschamps's side are preparing to face Ronald Koeman's Holland in their final UEFA Nations League match in Rotterdam this Friday night, before taking on Uruguay in a friendly at the Stade de France in Paris next Tuesday, 20 November. 

Martial's only goal for France came in a 3-1 friendly victory over Italy in 2016.

Since making his senior international debut in 2015, Martial has scored one goal in 18 caps for France. He was part of the squad which reached the Euro 2016 final on home soil, but he last appeared for his country in a 3-1 win away to Russia on 27 March 2018.

The news of Martial's injury, which was confirmed by the France camp on Monday afternoon, follows the withdrawal of his United team-mate Paul Pogba, who missed Sunday's 3-1 Manchester derby defeat at City through injury.

The pair have been replaced by Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea in the world champions' 23-man squad.

WHY MARTIAL DESERVED HIS CALL-UP

Our no.11 has been in sensational form of late and fully merited his international recognition, so his withdrawal from the squad is undoubtedly a blow. 

The 22-year-old scored for a fifth successive Premier League match when netting from the penalty spot in Sunday's Manchester derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium. He has now started the last seven games for the Reds in all competitions, completing 90 minutes in four of those. 

Anthony is United's leading scorer this season with seven goals in 14 appearances. Six of his efforts have come in the Premier League and only three players - Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Chelsea's Eden Hazard - have scored more in the division so far this term. 

Martial's contributions have certainly not gone unnoticed by fans, who voted him the club's Player of the Month for October.

Speaking after naming Anthony in his latest squad, France coach Deschamps said: "He has incredible potential, but does not always show it regularly. What he is doing in Manchester now is closer to what he is able to do.

"He is still a young player, but one who, I hope, is seeing the importance he has taken in Manchester in recent weeks."

United's French duo Martial and Pogba have linked up effectively in recent weeks on the pitch.

'THERE'S NO CHANCE PAUL PLAYS FOR FRANCE'

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho confirmed on Sunday that Pogba had "no chance" of being involved for France during the international break after sustaining a knock during United's 2-1 Champions League win over Juventus last week.  

“We have to wait and see [if he will be available to face Crystal Palace] ," the boss told Sky Sports. "Of course, no national team. No chance. That’s the evolution and hopefully, yes, [he can be back for] Palace then a final against Young Boys. We need three points to get closer to qualification in the Champions League." 

Both Pogba and Martial hope to make a speedy recovery ahead of United's next match, on Saturday 24 November. 

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