Arsenal starlet Guendouzi wins first France call-up after derby showing

Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has received his first senior France call-up as a replacement for Paul Pogba, the French Football Federation has announced.

Manchester United midfielder Pogba has been forced to withdraw from the France squad for the international break after suffering an ankle injury at the weekend.

Pogba was seen limping after United’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday, though head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hopeful he would be fine to play for France.

France manager Didier Deschamps has decided to promote Guendouzi from France’s Under-21 squad as Pogba’s replacement.

The 20-year-old has made an impressive start to the season and was particularly eye-catching in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

Guendouzi dominated the midfield in the second half as Arsenal completed their comeback from 2-0 down to end the match level.

Guendouzi was particularly effective at turning possession over for Arsenal but produced a wonderful ball from which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored their equaliser.

The Arsenal starlet averages 2.3 tackles per game and as many interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.