Cameroon boss SLAMS Hugo Ekitike after being left out of France squad and claims Liverpool forward 'doesn't deserve' chance to play for African nation despite dual citizenship

Despite scoring three goals in his first three Liverpool games, Ekitike missed out on Didier Deschamps' France squad this week. The 23-year-old, who has dual French-Cameroonian nationality, had the chance to play for the African nation but chose the European one. Now, Brys has laid into the striker, saying he "doesn't deserve" to play for Cameroon.

He said, via Foot Mercato: "I haven't contacted him. He put all his money into trying to play for France and he didn't succeed. And now we, Cameroon, are his second choice? I don't need to be a second choice. He's a good player, that's not the issue. In the situation I described, he doesn't deserve to come here."

The Belgian added that he needed "good players who play with heart" rather than "a star who thinks he can come to this country or another".

Ekitike is yet to make his France debut and can still play for Cameroon despite featuring for the French at under-21 level. But while Brys is in charge, it seems that door is closed. But if the former Eintracht Frankfurt star continues his hot streak for Liverpool, a France call-up will come.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward will get another chance to add to his Liverpool goal tally when Arne Slot's side host Premier League title rivals Arsenal in a crunch clash at the top of the table on Sunday.