Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly blocked Thierry Henry from including their players in France’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
FIFA has not formally recognized or ratified the Olympic Football Tournament. So clubs have the authority to stop their players from being released for the competition.
According to The Mirror, the Blues’ defensive pair of Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto will not be joining up with Les Bleus in the upcoming tournament in July.
The two Chelsea players were just two notable absentees on Henry’s initial roster because new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, needs more time to establish his style of play at the Cobham training centre.
Heading to Copa America after undergoing hernia surgery, Enzo Fernandez is expected to play for Argentina which Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly willing to approve of.
However, Maresca has also backed out of the picture, presumably in an effort to increase his chances of making an immediate impression in west London.
Concerns have also been raised about the need to carefully monitor Fernandez’s fitness this summer in light of his operation.
However, Lesley Ugochukwu had room as he looks to accrue some crucial minutes following a season-long absence due to hamstring issues.
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Arsenal defender, William Saliba, who is expected to play for Les Bleus in Germany this summer at the European Championships, had his release also blocked by Arsenal.
The Olympic Football Tournament is scheduled to take place between July 24 and August 10. So players representing the two nations that go the distance may not be able to start the 2024–25 Premier League season.
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