Is Brice Samba in line to make his France debut?

It is possible that Brice Samba (29), who prior to the last international break had never been capped at youth or senior level with France, could make his debut for Les Bleus against Gibraltar on Friday. 

The RC Lens goalkeeper took a risk by leaving Nottingham Forest on a free transfer last summer, despite the club’s promotion to the Premier League. It is a risk that has paid dividends. Samba has been instrumental in leading Le Sang et Or to a second-place finish in Ligue 1, which means Champions League football for Franck Haise’s side next season. 

Samba also got called up to the last international meeting, although he didn’t make his debut. That could change this time around. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Didier Deschamps confirmed that Samba was now second in the goalkeeping hierarchy, behind Mike Maignan, but ahead of Europa Conference League winner Alphonse Areola. 

However, as reported by RMC Sport, Maignan was unable to complete Thursday’s training session with Les Bleus due to a niggle. It is not yet known whether the minor injury threatens his place in the starting XI against Gibraltar, however, should the AC Milan shot-stopper be unavailable, it will be Samba who will step in to make his France debut. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle