Didier Deschamps has hinted that Olivier Giroud must earn more game time at club level to remain first choice with France.
Giroud has been provided with just one start and five substitute outings by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard since the beginning of September.
Although the 34-year-old recently starred in a friendly against Ukraine, he lost his place to Anthony Martial for Saturday's UEFA Nations League fixture with Portugal.
When addressing the situation after the game, Deschamps suggested that Giroud needed to 'find some rhythm' before the nation's next batch of fixtures in March.
At a press conference, Deschamps said: "I make the choices that seem best to me for the France team. With Anthony, who is a good player, it allows us to have a little more depth.
"Olivier has been affected, first of all with the situation he has at his club, knowing that he has a large frame and that he needs rhythm. It's hard.
"That's not why I want to lose him, it's complicated, we'll talk, but obviously he has every interest in it not lasting, for him, to remain competitive, but we must not forget what he did with us and what he is still able to do."
Giroud has less than a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, leaving him open to offers during the January window.
Darren Plant
