Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has not been selected for France's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Belarus.
Didier Deschamps insists it was a 'choice' not to pick Martial, whose absence from the international squad continues after almost a year in the wilderness, report the Manchester Evening News.
The 22-year-old has scored five goals and made five assists in eight appearances this season and was named man of the match in the recent wins over Burton Albion and CSKA Moscow.
Martial came off injured on Wednesday night but it is understood the Frenchman was not limping upon his return at Manchester Airport.
Martial could start successive United games for the first time since May against Crystal Palace on Saturday but Deschamps suggested he needs to start more matches.
"He’s a player who’s probably better when he starts than when he comes on," Deschamps said at a press conference. "A bit like Lacazette.
"All 24 players want to start. Anthony is much better, he’s decisive. The last game [at CSKA] highlights what he can do. He’s getting back to a good level. He’s more used by Mourinho.
"He could have been in the squad. It’s a choice. He was there during the Euros, he went through a tough time, which he got over. I can only tell him to continue to make me think about him."
France have an enviable array of forwards but are without £135.5million Barcelona signing Ousmane Dembele and injured United talisman Paul Pogba.
Deschamps selected Marseille forward Dimitri Payet and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who has managed just one goal and one assist so far this term.