Nkunku was regularly named in the France squad during 2022 following his maiden senior call-up but he missed the World Cup in Qatar through injury.

The forward added to his eight caps by playing twice more in the summer of 2023 following his return to full fitness, but then suffered a knee injury in pre-season which required surgery and he missed most of the 2023/24 campaign.

Nkunku made ten appearances for Chelsea midway through the season before another spell on the sidelines saw him only return to action for the final four matches.

It meant the 26-year-old was not selected for Euro 2024 and he wasn't chosen in September, but his regular game time since the summer have persuaded former Blues midfielder Didier Deschamps to recall the former PSG and RB Leipzig man.

'There was a time he wasn’t with us because unfortunately he continued getting little injuries which prevented him having continuity on the pitch,' said Deschamps at a media conference on Thursday.

'He hasn’t had excessive game time at Chelsea, but each time he has played he has had plenty of energy. Injuries have put a significant brake on his progression, but it seems like he is rid of that and what must follow is time on the pitch and good performances that will allow him to return to his best level.'

Nkunku was outstanding during our tour to the USA and whilst Nicolas Jackson has started every game in the Premier League this season, the Frenchman has still made a big impact across all competitions, scoring six goals in nine games.

With only four of those outings being starts, it means Nkunku has averaged a goal every 57 minutes across all competitions so far this season.

Deschamps has also called up Fofana once more. The centre-back missed more than a year through injury but has excelled since his return in the summer and was recalled at the earliest opportunity in September.

However, following discussions between Fofana and Deschamps, it was decided the defender would stay with Chelsea during the September window, when France lost 3-1 to Italy and beat Belgium 2-0. Deschamps commented on his inclusion for October's games.

'He has a programme which is adapted at the moment where he plays the Premier League matches and he has clearly responded,' noted the former Chelsea midfielder.

'He is coming off a period of inactivity but since the last month he was able to continue playing matches and to perform.'

France will be back in Nations League action again when they face Israel in Budapest on Thursday 10 October and travel to Belgium on Monday 14 October, with both 7.45pm kick-offs.

England's squad was also announced today and we will bring you news of all of Chelsea's international call-ups in the coming days.

France squad in full

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Aréola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Manu Koné (Roma), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)