France vs Bulgaria - Atletico Madrid front duo could lead France attack for Bulgaria clash

Posted Thursday, October 06, 2016 by PA

France coach Didier Deschamps is hoping he can find the right chemistry to help Les Bleus rediscover their form in front of goal in the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Euro 2016 runners-up opened their Group A campaign with a frustrating 0-0 away draw in Belarus.

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has not been called up for Friday's match in Paris and the upcoming trip to face Holland as he recovers from injury, while Karim Benzema remains out of Deschamps' short-term plans.

That means Kevin Gameiro could be in line to partner his Atletico Madrid team-mate Antoine Griezmann at the Stade de France.

Gameiro, who was not part of France's Euro 2016 squad, has scored three times for his club this season, on the mark along with Griezmann in the 2-0 win over Valencia before heading off to join the French camp.

"Individually, both of them are quality players and the fact that they are playing together with their club is a good thing," Deschamps said. "They can improve their chemistry."

Tigres frontman Andre-Pierre Gignac, Manchester United forward Anthony Martial and Nabil Fekir of Lyon provide other options for Deschamps.

Gameiro would relish the chance to link-up with Griezmann at international level.

Gameiro was first called up to the senior side by Laurent Blanc for the Euro 2012 qualifiers before being overlooked for several seasons.

The 29-year-old former Paris St Germain and Sevilla forward said in an interview with Le Parisien: "It is true that we know each other well, we're developing together every day.

"However, the context is different for France, we do not necessarily play the same way as we do in the club.

"We will work all week and see what happens. I will accept the coach's choice, no problem."

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante are both expected to be available against Bulgaria having returned to full training on Wednesday.

Varane had been nursing a thigh strain, while Kante was only doing light sessions.

Bulgaria sit top of Group A after beating Luxembourg 4-3 in Sofia, but only following a stoppage-time winner against the minnows.