Arsenal flop Mathieu Debuchy set for ‘magic’ France World Cup call-up after turning career around
Right-back Debuchy is Europe's highest-scoring defender after netting fifth goal of the season for St Etienne at Strasbourg
MATHIEU DEBUCHY looks as though he will go all the way from being an Arsenal reserve to the World Cup finals with France.
Injury-hit Debuchy, 32, left the Emirates in January after managing just seven games for the Gunners this season - including the 4-2 FA Cup loss at Nottingham Forest.
He then left on a free for St Etienne - and has been winning rave reviews ever since.
Debuchy is now the highest-scoring defender in Europe's top five leagues this season after netting the only goal of the game at Strasbourg.
The right-back made it four goals for St Etienne - plus one for Arsenal at Bate Borisov.
Debuchy won the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award in February ahead of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar.
And now he finds himself competing for a Europa League place with his new French team, who currently occupy the last qualification position via Ligue 1.
In all Debuchy has made 12 league appearances for St Etienne and his impressive performances have prompted talk of a return to the France national team at the World Cup.
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He won the last of his 27 caps in September 2015 and is delighted his new-found form has put him in the running for a trip to Russia this summer.
Debuchy said: “I was surprised to get back to this level so quickly. Surprised but very happy.
"There are places up for grabs for the World Cup.
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"After the hard times I have known, to return after four months with St Etienne followed by a World Cup would be magic.
"When the squad is announced, I think I’ll be in front of my TV and I’ll wait like everyone else.”