PA RIS: Kylian Mbappe returned to the France squad named on Thursday for this month`s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, as Paris St-Germain teenager Desire Doue earned a first call-up.

Mbappe, the 26-year-old striker, who has 86 caps, was not included in the squad for their Nations League fixtures in October and November af ter signing with Real Madrid in July.

`Pve discussed with him. I can confirm what I told you a few weeks ago, he will be our captain, Deschamps told a press conference.

The versatile Doue, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his impressive club form.

The 19-year-old has scored or set up a total of 17 goals in 23 appearances since becoming a regular in the PSG side in mid-December.

`He is not always a starter for his club but whenever he plays or comes on he has made a lot of progress,` Deschamps said.

France face Croatia away in Split in the first leg of the quarter-final on March 20 while the second leg will be played at Stade de France on March 23.-Agencies