Hugo Ekitike snubbed by France despite strong Liverpool start

Hugo Ekitike has been snubbed by France manager Didier Deschamps for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland despite his fine start for Liverpool.

Ekitike, following a £69 million ($92.8m) move from Eintracht Frankfurt, has netted in each of his first three games for his new club -- once in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and then in the Premier League wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle.

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But the 23-year-old will still have to wait for his first French call-up after once again being overlooked by Deschamps in Wednesday's squad announcement.

France have handed Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche his first call-up, with the 23-year-old joining the likes of Kylian Mbappé in the squad.

France face Ukraine on Sept. 5 before hosting Iceland on Sept. 9.

Full France squad:

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba.

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Théo Hernández, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.

Midfielders: Mattéo Guendouzi, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Khéphren Thuram.

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.