Camavinga's World Cup spot in doubt as France pecking order shifts

Eduardo Camavinga is facing an uncertain path to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with his place in France squad increasingly under threat, L'Equipe reports on Tuesday.

Once seen as the future of France's midfield following his move from Stade Rennais to Real Madrid, the 23-year-old has struggled to secure a consistent role at both club and international level.

In Madrid, competition from established figures such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric initially slowed his progress. For France, his situation has been no less complicated.

Despite his versatility - often deployed out of position, including at left-back - Camavinga has yet to fully convince Didier Deschamps that he merits a regular starting role.

The latest international break offered little encouragement. Camavinga managed just 26 minutes across two matches, all of them coming off the bench against Colombia. He was unused against Brazil and overlooked for a starting place even when Deschamps rotated his squad.

That context raises serious questions about his place in Les Bleus' World Cup plans. With specialist options preferred in key areas, including three recognised left-backs in Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne, Camavinga's versatility may no longer work in his favour.

For a player once viewed as a cornerstone of the next generation, the margin for error is shrinking. And time, suddenly, is not on his side.