Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike is reportedly open to representing the Cameroon national team after he was left out of France's latest squad.
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France manager Didier Deschamps announced his squad to face Ukraine and Iceland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
While familiar names such as Kylian Mbappe, William Saliba and Ousmane Dembele were included and AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche was called up for the first time, Ekitike was a notable name missing from the 23-man squad.
Deschamps reportedly revealed, via Le Figaro, why he chose not to pick the Liverpool number 22 despite his good form from last season.
"Because of what he did last season, we were already following him; he had a very good season," Ekitike said. "Good for him that he continues to be effective at Liverpool. There is competition in his position, but he has the potential to be in the national team," he added.
The lanky forward has enjoyed a strong start to his Liverpool career following his £79 million (R1,8 billion) move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Ekitike has found his goalscoring touch, scoring in the Community Shield and twice in Liverpool's first two Premier League games.
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According to The Daily Mirror. Despite Ekitike expressing his desire to represent Les Bleus, his omission from the squad has escalated talk that the 23-year-old could now change his allegiance to Cameroon, as he is eligible to represent the Indomitable Lions, to gain greater international recognition.
