Rayan Cherki is ruled out of France’s World Cup qualifiers due to a quadriceps tear, sidelining him for approximately two months. Hugo Ekitike receives his first call-up to the French national team as a replacement. Cherki’s injury occurred during Manchester City’s match, and he’s expected to return in early November. This provides an opportunity for other players, like Ekitike, to shine for France in the upcoming qualifiers.
Rayan Cherki's promising season has hit a snag as the young midfielder is set to miss France's crucial World Cup qualifiers due to an unfortunate injury. The setback, expected to keep him off the pitch for approximately two months, comes as a blow to both the player and the national team.
Cherki's absence was keenly felt during Manchester City's recent Premier League encounter against Brighton, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat. The talented Frenchman was conspicuously missing from the lineup, sparking concerns among fans and pundits alike. Following the match, Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, confirmed the unfortunate news, stating that Cherki would be sidelined for "seven or eight weeks." This timeline suggests a return to action in early November, pending his recovery progress.
The French national team's official X (formerly Twitter) account delivered further details on the nature of Cherki's injury. According to the announcement, Cherki has sustained a quadriceps tear, a painful and debilitating injury that necessitates a period of rest and rehabilitation. As a result, he has been withdrawn from Didier Deschamps' squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Iceland.
Didier Deschamps has had to rule out Rayan Cherki (torn quadriceps).
To replace him, the coach has called up Hugo Ekitike!#FierdetresBleus pic.twitter.com/krxMoTPShO
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) August 31, 2025
In a twist of fate, Cherki's misfortune has paved the way for another young talent to shine. Hugo Ekitike, the Liverpool forward, has received his maiden call-up to the French national team. Ekitike has impressed since his high-profile transfer to the Premier League champions, netting three goals in his appearances. His inclusion in the squad represents a significant opportunity for the player to showcase his abilities on the international stage.
Cherki's move to Manchester City in June marked a significant chapter in his career. The transfer, valued at an initial fee of £30.5 million from Lyon, underscored the club's belief in his potential. He made an immediate impact, scoring during their journey to the last 16 of the Club World Cup. His stellar performances continued in the Premier League, where he found the net on his debut in a commanding 4-0 victory against Wolves. He also featured in the starting lineup in the match against Tottenham.
The injury to Cherki is untimely, especially considering his recent integration into the Manchester City squad and his potential role in France's World Cup qualifying campaign. The quadriceps tear is a common injury among footballers, often resulting from sudden bursts of speed, changes in direction, or forceful impacts. The recovery process typically involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility in the affected muscle. Manchester City's medical staff will work closely with Cherki to ensure a smooth and complete recovery.
The absence of Cherki presents an opportunity for other players within the French national team to step up and stake their claim for a starting position. The likes of Hugo Ekitike, who has been in impressive form for Liverpool, will be eager to seize this chance to impress Didier Deschamps and contribute to the team's success in the World Cup qualifiers. The competition for places in the squad is fierce, and the players will be determined to prove their worth.
As Cherki begins his recovery journey, he will be focused on regaining his fitness and returning to action as soon as possible. The support of his teammates, coaches, and fans will be crucial during this challenging period. His talent and determination will undoubtedly aid him in overcoming this setback and emerging stronger than before. The football world eagerly awaits his return to the pitch.
The French national team will now turn their attention to the crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Iceland. These matches are of utmost importance as they strive to secure their place in the upcoming tournament. Didier Deschamps will need to rally his troops and ensure that they perform at their best, despite the absence of key players like Cherki. The team possesses a wealth of talent and experience, and they will be confident in their ability to achieve their goals.