Why is N’Golo Kante NOT playing for France in the 2022 World Cup?

FRANCE are in the World Cup final against Argentina - but they must do so without N'Golo Kante.

Didier Deschamps released his 26-man squad list before the tournament with the Chelsea midfielder not featuring.

Kante was an integral piece of the Les Blues 2018 World Cup winning side with the then 27-year-old playing every minute for the national side.

Now four years on, the rise of young talents such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni has provided Kante with heightened competition for a place in the midfield.

And he is not in action for France as they face Argentina in the big final.

Why isn't N'Golo Kante playing for France at the World Cup?

The absence of the midfielder is a huge blow for France, as well as for Chelsea as shown by their poor defensive record as of late.

The Blues number six has been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.

The injury has meant Kante will miss the opportunity to help France to become only the third side to retain the World Cup.

Providing all goes will with the 31-year-olds recovery, it looks likely we will see him return to action soon after the season proceeds.