The French national team's World Cup plans have been dealt a significant blow. Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké is expected to miss approximately nine months after suffering an injury during his club's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, ruling him out of the tournament.

This unfortunate development opens a crucial spot in Didier Deschamps' squad, sparking immediate speculation over who will fill the void. According to reports, the current frontrunner is Randal Kolo Muani, the PSG forward currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite a challenging season in North London, Kolo Muani appears to retain the trust of Deschamps, giving him a vital edge in the selection race. However, he faces competition from two other proven internationals.

AC Milan's Christopher Nkunku and Crystal Palace's in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta are also in contention. Mateta, in particular, has made a strong case with two goals in just three appearances for Les Bleus, making this a compelling late-stage battle for a coveted World Cup ticket.