Moussa Diaby, the winger for Aston Villa in the Premier League, has not been getting many starts lately, but Didier Deschamps is still optimistic that the player will establish himself in the France squad after being called back this week.

Moussa Diaby hasn’t played for his nation since the March break a year and a half ago, so when his name surfaced on Deschamps’ 23-man squad on Thursday afternoon, some people took notice.

Supporters of Bayer Leverkusen might reasonably wonder why Diaby, who was left out during a period of exceptional form in Germany, has returned despite a string of lackluster games while wearing the colors of Aston Villa.

Since January, Diaby has not started a Premier League match. Just two goals have been scored by the £50 million acquisition in 2024, one of which came during Thursday’s 4-0 thumping of Ajax.

Deschamps, however, is certain that Diaby can contribute as the France manager intensifies his preparations for Euro 2024, selecting Villa’s number 19 over Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain.

“One player we are keeping an eye on is Bradley Barcola. He must maintain his progress and validate his excellent form. Deschamps tells Get France Football News that Barcola is a player with great potential who will be on Thierry Henry’s list. Barcola is anticipated to play for the legendary Arsenal team later this month at the under-21 level.

“Moussa is going to be here. He’s got ten caps. Though he isn’t playing as much for his team, he still has some promising qualities.

“And he has the chance to take full advantage of this international break.”