Deschamps positive over Mathieu

France manager Didier Deschamps is staying positive over the chances of Jeremy Mathieu playing at Euro 2016, despite his recent injury issues.

The former Valencia man reported to duty with the national side this week complaining of a thigh problem following his exploits domestically.

The 32-year-old came off the bench at half time of the Copa del Rey final triumph over Sevilla, which went to extra time on Sunday as the Catalans completed a domestic league and cup double.

Deschamps has already been hit by the withdrawal of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane through injury, while Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho will be absent after his recent ban.

Mathieu stated earlier this week that he was ready to step up in the absence of Varane, however, he will not be available to play in Monday’s friendly, according to Dechamps.

The 47-year-old admitted he is waiting on further details to emerge before making a final decision over his chances of making the tournament on home soil.

Deschamps said: “It’s not serious in itself. “I’m going to wait a few days to have more precise information. What’s certain is that he won’t be available for the match in Nantes.

“Now we need to know if it’s possible that he might be there for the second game.” The France boss called Sevilla defender Adil Rami into his squad on Tuesday to provide cover for the friendlies with Cameroon and Scotland ahead of Euro 2016.

Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, who was named on the standby list ahead of Rami, was expected to get the call from Deschamps but the manager has revealed why he opted for the Sevilla man.

He added: “For me playing with two left footers in the centre of defence is not something that’s viable. “I saw Samuel. I explained the situation to him. I can understand that he might be disappointed. “If I took Samuel, it’s not a reward, it’s because I have confidence in him. The fact I have not taken him [to replace Varane] is only in relation to this problem of left footers.”

France are the favourites to win this summer’s European Championships on home soil and can be backed at 4.00 to claim the title for a third time in their history.