Rayan Cherki (20) was initially omitted from Thierry Henry’s France U23 squad, however, he got a reprieve after Leeds United’s Georginio Rutter and Montpellier HSC’s Joris Chotard withdrew through injury. Henry has now challenged the Olympique Lyonnais forward to make the next step.
Amidst a significant downturn in form this season, but also questions surrounding his future at Lyon beyond the end of the season, Cherki has found game time limited. It was therefore logical that, despite his clear talent, Cherki was left out of Henry’s Les Bleuets’ side.
However, following what was nonetheless a surprise omission, Cherki made a spectacular appearance off the bench against Toulouse FC, netting in a 3-2 victory. That was his first goal in Ligue 1 this season. Post-match, his manager said that Cherki “needed to be angry” in order to show the reaction that he showed.