Although Ugochukwu did not make France’s final 18-man squad, the 20-year-old remained with Thierry Henry’s team as one of four substitutes. These replacements can participate in the tournament at any time if one of the 18 squad members becomes injured.
However, the French Football Federation revealed on Friday, only five days before host nation France’s opening match against the United States, that Chelsea had recalled their player. “Lesley Ugochukwu has left the Olympic selection,” a statement stated. ‘The midfielder will leave the French Olympic Team on Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic event. Lesley Ugochukwu will no longer be a reserve for the French Olympic football squad, as requested by Chelsea FC.
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Chelsea recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s squad
The technical staff has requested a replacement and is awaiting a response from the organizers. The current group consists of twenty-one players. As a non-FIFA competition, clubs are not required to allow their players to compete in the Olympics.
Chelsea has already prevented Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from being called up by Henry. Ugochukwu, who signed from Rennes for £23.5 million last summer, struggled to make an impact in his first season at Chelsea. He made only 15 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, including three Premier League starts, and missed practically the whole second half of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in December.
