Arsenal fans in meltdown as Guendouzi replaces Pogba in France squad – “Future captain”

Matteo Guendouzi has received his first France call-up after Paul Pogba was ruled out of their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers through injury – and Arsenal fans are overjoyed.

Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps revealed that Pogba picked up an ankle problem in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw away at Southampton over the weekend, leaving a midfield spot free in his squad.

And he has opted for Gunners ace Guendouzi, 20, ahead of a clash with Albania on Saturday and Andorra next Tuesday.

The young star has become a key player for Unai Emery, producing an impressive display in Arsenal’s 2-2 north London derby draw at home to Tottenham yesterday.

Now he could potentially earn his first France cap, Gunners fans believe Guendouzi is destined to captain their club – taking to Twitter to celebrate the news.

“Thoroughly deserved! We have a future captain with us,” said one supporter.

“You love to see it” said another.

One posted: “growing into a global superstar before our very eyes”.

“What a player! Future captain,” said this visionary member of the Gunners faithful.

While one demanded: “Sign him up for the next 10 years guys with a new contract asap”.

Guendouzi has featured 52 times for Arsenal since completing a £7m switch from French outfit FC Lorient, where he penned his first professional deal.

Aymeric Laporte, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe have also been ruled out of France’s upcoming qualifiers.

Laporte, 25, received his first call-up since March 2017 and looked set to earn his first cap.

But the defender was stretchered off in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Brighton with unconfirmed injury that Pep Guardiola believes “doesn’t look good”.

Original article: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fans-meltdown-guendouzi-replaces-19186720