Didier Deschamps explains Anthony Martial's absence after France snub

France head coach Didier Deschamps has urged Manchester United forward Anthony Martial to work harder after he was not included in the 24-man squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers.

Martial had a tough campaign under Jose Mourinho last term as he managed just eight goals across all competitions.

However, the Frenchman has made vast improvement this season with five goals and four assists in just over 45 days of first-team action with the Red Devils.

Premier League regulars Hugo Lloris, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, and Alexandre Lacazette all made the squad while there were also places for Moussa Sissoko and Dimitri Payet.

Speaking to reporters, Deschamps compared Martial to Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette and feels the forward should continue his good vein of form to knock the national team door.

He said, as per ESPN FC: "He’s a player who’s probably better when he starts than when he comes on. A bit like Lacazette. All 24 players want to start. 

“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 Euro, he went through a tough time, which he got over. I can only tell him to continue to make me think about him.”

France suffered a surprise blow as they drew 0-0 against Luxembourg last time around, and this has kept Group A open, with Sweden just one point behind them.

The Euro 2016 finalists take on Bulgaria and Belarus in the final set of fixtures, and Deschamps will expect his side to show a reaction following the Luxembourg draw.