Mbappe and Griezmann are missing from France’s original Olympic team list

Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann were not on the provisional list of 25 players called up by host country France for the Olympic Games football tournament on Monday.

Both players had indicated they wanted to take part in the Paris Games, but their Spanish clubs – Real Madrid, where Mbappe, 25, will play next season, and Atletico for 33-year-old Griezmann – have said they will not release them. .

World Cup-winning striker and France captain Mbappe will lead France at Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 to July 14 in Germany.

“I have to give a fairly realistic list, even though I know it is virtual,” said French Olympic football coach Thierry Henry, before adding that he “still hoped” to be able to call on Mbappe during the Olympic tournament.

“Everything is open to everyone, but we have to provide a list so that everyone can prepare. But we do not close the door to anyone.”

Paris Saint-Germain duo Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola and Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette were on the provisional list.

“It is a pre-list for preparation, it can evolve and in my opinion it will evolve,” Henry continued, with a final deadline of July 3.

A source close to PSG had indicated that the French Ligue 1 champions had refused to release 18-year-old Zaire-Emery and 21-year-old Barcola, who have also been called up for Euro 2024 in Germany.

Former France and Arsenal striker Henry kept just two players over 23 years, despite being entitled to three. He chose 33-year-old Lacazette, whom he described as “a player of quality, a leader of men”, and Crystal Palace striker Jean. -Philippe Mateta.

France will start training on June 16 with friendlies against Paraguay on July 4 in Bayonne, the Dominican Republic on July 11 and Japan on July 17 in Toulon.

The Olympic football competition starts on July 24 and runs until August 9, with France in a group alongside the United States, New Zealand and Guinea.