Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Didier Deschamps says Mamadou Sakho’s absence from the Liverpool side left him with no option but to leave him out of the France squad.

The £18million Reds centre-back will miss out on next month’s friendlies against Portugal and Serbia.

Sakho has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season with Brendan Rodgers opting to put his faith in the defensive combination of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren.

Asked about Sakho’s omission from his 23-man squad, Deschamps said: “He is an important player who finds himself in a difficult position.

“Playing international matches when you have not played for your club for a month is difficult. I hope his situation improves.”

Sakho has been linked with a move away from Anfield prior to next Tuesday’s transfer deadline but Liverpool are adamant he’s staying put.

The Reds, who have rejected interest from both Roma and Bayer Leverkusen, have offered the former Paris Saint Germain defender a new long-term contract.

However, Sakho is in no rush to sign as he waits to see how much he features for Rodgers’ side. Being overlooked by his country will hurt Sakho, who is desperate to be involved in next summer’s European Championships in his homeland.