5 players who might not make France's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad

Choosing a 23-man squad for the World Cup is an arduous task for every national team manager.

The French national team manager Didier Deschamps has a wealth of talent to choose from in ever position as the competition for places intensifies. With players spread across various leagues, the manager will be keeping a close eye on possible candidates in every position, although the process of elimination could leave a few players hurt and disappointed.

The former World Cup-winning captain and current manager, Didier Deschamps will face a tricky test while selecting his squad for the tournament. Here, we take a look at 5 players he might have to leave out of the final French World Cup squad:

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#5 Dimitri Payet

Payet could miss out on a spot in France's squad

30-year-old Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet has not been the most influential player for the club this season, with only 7 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, and his poor form this campaign could result in the Frenchman not getting picked for the World Cup squad.

Payet most recently scored in both legs of the UEFA Europa League round-of-16 against Athletic Bilbao to help Marseille through to the next round. The former West Ham player has made 37 appearances for the French national team and scored 8 goals.

However, it could be too late for the player with the competition for places intensifying as the likes of Anthony Martial, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman all ahead of the player in the hunt for places.

Deschamps picked Payet for the 2016 Euro tournament after his stellar season with West Ham that season. However, the manager will now have to pick his squad based on the player's performances throughout the season, and Payet might not make the cut for this tournament.

#4 Kevin Gameiro

Gameiro could well lose out on a spot to the likes of Giroud, Griezmann and Ben Yedder

30-year-old Frenchman Kevin Gamiero has notched 12 goals in 28 appearances for Atletico Madrid in all competitions this season. The former PSG and Sevilla striker has made 13 appearances for Les Bleus and could miss out on a spot in the World Cup with the fierce battle for places in the striking department.

Olivier Giroud will be selected in the squad cause he gives Deschamps an aerial dimension to the team's attack. Wissam Ben Yedder is having the season of his career and has been called up for the national team's next two friendlies and could be ahead of Gamerio in the pecking order.

Anthony Martial, Kylian Mbappe and Antonie Griezmann are all having good seasons as well and are likely to get picked.

Gamerio possesses a good finishing ability but lacks dimensions to his style of play. His link-up play has been weak this season and it could be yet another disappointing miss for the 30-year-old striker, since this will probably be his last shot at making a World Cup squad.

#3 Moussa Sissoko

Sissoko vies for the ball in the final of UEFA Euro 2016

Tottenham Hotspur player Moussa Sissoko has been transitioned into a central midfielder under Mauricio Pochettino at times, but has struggled to keep his place in the team, since Moussa Dembele's return from injury. A versatile player, Sissoko is also used on the flanks at times but has not impacted play enough to secure his spot.

With Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso, Adrien Rabiot, and N'Golo Kante all ahead of the Spurs star in Deschamps' list, it is unlikely that Sissoko will be travelling to Russia. Notably, Sissoko played in the Euro 2016 final in a midfield three alongside Matuidi and Pogba, as France lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final.

The 28-year-old has just the solitary goal and an assist to his name to show for his performances this season, and Deschamps will be eager to pick in-form players for the tournament.

#2 Florian Thauvin

Thauvin has been in sublime form for Olympique de Marseille this season but could still miss out

Despite getting called up to the most recent French national team squad for the friendlies against Columbia and Russia, Florian Thauvin could well miss out on a spot in the World Cup squad, given his inexperience and lack of consistency.

However, the Marseille winger has been in better form than his compatriot and teammate at the club - Dimitri Payet - with 17 goals this season. While form remains a massive plus point for players in the selection process, the attacking player Thauvin stands to miss out with a whole plethora of attacking stars at Deschamps' disposal.

However, if someone were to get injured in the lead up to the World Cup, Thauvin would be an ideal replacement for an attacking player. However, as it stands, it's a close call for Deschamps as he will require balance to the squad, and Thauvin could be one attacking option too many.

#1 Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette in action for France in a friendly

With just 11 goals in 33 appearances for Arsenal this season, Alexandre Lacazette could also miss out on a place in France's national team squad for the World Cup. The player is currently nursing an injury but will be back in action soon and will be eager to put on impressive displays.

Having made 16 appearances for France and scored only 3 goals, his international tally is not great and could certainly influence Deschamps' decision making progress. With numerous attacking options at his disposal, the manager will need to see the player make his case for a place after his return from injury.

His poor interplay and physical ability have been exposed in the Premier League's surroundings and it could be a harsh lesson for the player who hasn't yet adapted to his new surroundings. A talented player, Lacazette might rue the timing of his summer move to Arsenal if he does not get called up for the World Cup.