Varane makes Didier’s cut

RAPHAEL VARANE has been picked for the France World Cup squad despite his hamstring injury.

But there is no place for Kurt Zouma or Lucas Digne in Didier Deschamps’ 25-man squad.

Olivier Giroud will appear in his third World Cup, while fellow strikers Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema will lead France’s defence of their title.

They kick off against Australia on November 22.

Manchester United central defender Varane went off at Chelsea in tears on October 22 but the vice-captain (right) has been included.

“The injury has gone on a bit too long but he will be available for the first match if all goes well,” said Les Bleus boss Deschamps.

Fellow Premier League stars Hugo Lloris, Alphonse Areola, Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba are included but Deschamps has snubbed Zouma and Digne by opting not to take 26 players.